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UNABRIDGED  EDITION 

Shaver's 
masonic  monitor, 

CONTAINING 

ALIi  THE  EXOTERIC  RITUAL  OF  THE  WORK  AND 
LECTURES  OF  THE   THREE  DEGREES  OF 

ANCIENT  CRAFT   MASONRY; 

TO  WHICH  IS  ADDED 

THE  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES  OF  THE  ORDER,  AND 
THE   RITUAL  OF  A  DOD'tE  OF  SORROW. 


Compiled  in  Strict  Confor-niity  with 
THE  WORK. 


WILLIAM  M.  SHAVER, 

Past  Grand  Master  of  the  M.'.W.'.Grand  Lodge  of  Kansas, 
COMPILER  AND  EDITOR. 


TENTH  EDITION. 


TOPEKA,  KANSAS: 

WM.  M.  SHAVER  and  A.  K.  WILSON,  Publishers. 
1907. 


M\N. 


Copyright,  1892, 

BY 

William  M.  Shavkr  and  Henry  F,  Toevs. 


Copyright,  1899, 

BY 

William  M.  Shaver  and  Albert  K.  Wilson. 


PRESS  OF  KETCHESON    PRINTING   CO. 
LEAVENWORTH,    KANSAS. 


OFFICIAL   ADOPTIONS. 


KANSAS.  1893. 

At  the  37th  Annual  Communication  of  the 
M.-.W.-.  Grand  Lodge  of  A.  F.  &  A.  M.  of  Kansas^ 
held  at  Hutchinson  February  15  and  16.  A.  D. 
1893,  A.  L.  5893,  the  following  action  was  taken  : 

M.-.  W.-.  David  B.  Fuller,  Grand  Master,  in 
his  annual  address,  recommended:  "  It  is  further 
recommended  that '  Shaver's  Monitor,'  so-called 
be  adopted  as  the  Official  Monitor  of  this  Grand 
Jurisdiction."    (See  Proceedings  1893,  page  168.) 

This  address  was  referred  to  the  Committee 
on  Reports  of  Grand  Officers,  which  reported 
relative  to  this  recommendation:  "That  so 
much  of  said  address  as  relates  to  the  adoption 
of  'Shaver's  Monitor,'  so-called,  be  approved." 
This  report  was  adopted  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 
(See  same  Proceedings,  pages  196  and  198.) 


OKLAHOMA,  1894. 

At  the  2d  Annual  Communication  of  the 
M.-.W.-.  Grand  Lodge  of  A.  F.  &  A.  M.  of  Okla- 
homa, held  at  Guthrie  February  13  and  14,  A.  I>. 
1894,  A,  L.  5894,  the  following  action  was  taken : 

"Onmotionof  Bro.DouGLAS,the  Grand  Lodge 
adopted  Shaver's  Masonic  Monitor  as  the  Stand- 
ard Monitor  for  the  Jurisdiction  of  Oklahoma." 
( See  Proceedings  1894,  page  41.) 


995155 


Certificate  of  Endorsement. 

*THE  Monitor  of  Ancient  Craft  Masonry, 
complied  by  Bro.  William  M.  Shaver, 
Custodian  of  the  Work,  conforms  to  the 
Work  of  the  M.-.  W/.  Grand  Lodge  of  A.  F. 
and  A.  M.  of  Kansas,  and  as  such  we  cheer- 
fully commend  it  to  the  Craft. 

jas.  p.  howe, 
Geo.  F.  pond, 

Custodians  cf  the  Work,  Grand  Lodge  of 
Kansas. 


February,  1892. 


PREFACE  TO    FIRST   EDITION. 

^•T^HE  demand  of  the  Craft  throughout  the 
State,  for  a  practical,  working-text 
Pocket  Monitor  of  the  Three  Degrees  of  An- 
cient Craft  Masonry,  arranged  in  conformity 
with  THE  WORK  in  this  Grand  Jurisdiction,  is 
the  only  excuse  offered  for  this  publication. 

The  original  editions  of  the  Monitor  popu- 
larly known  as  the  "Kansas  Monitor,"  being 
completely  exhausted,  the  Compiler  deemed 
it  wisest  to  prepare  this  work  from  the  original 
standards,  rather  than  issue  a  corrected  re- 
print of  a  work  in  which,  unquestionably- 
were  errors. 

The  basis  of  the  present  Monitor  will  be 
found  to  be  Webb's  Freemason's  Monitor, 
er'-tion  of  1816,  arranged  in  the  form  of  work- 
ing-text, according  to  the  best  standards,  and 
in  the  precise  order  required  in  the  Ritual. 

In  his  researches  in  the  preparation  of  this 
work,  the  Compiler  has  found  many,  gems* 


which  he  believes  will  be  welcomed  by  the 
numerous  band  of  Masonic  workers  who  de- 
light to  embellish  their  monitorial  ritual,  and 
these  are  placed  in  proper  position,  in  the  form 
of  optional  matter. 

Not  only  the  Installation  Ceremony  and  the 
Burial  Service,  but  also  a  full  compilation  of 
the  Ancient  Ceremonies,  and  the  Ritual  of  a 
Lodge  of  Sorrow,  have  been  added,  and,  it  is 
believed  will  be  appreciated. 

The  Compiler  acknowledges  with  grati- 
tude, the  many  kindly  words  of  encourage- 
ment and  advice  received  by  him  from  emi- 
nent Craftsmen  over  the  State,  during  the  pro- 
gress of  this  work,  space  alone  preventing  a 
more  extended  acknowledgment. 

That  the  result  of  their  joint  efforts  may 
meet  the  approval  of  their  brethren,  is  the 
hope  of  Compiler  and  Publisher  as  they  start 
forth  this  little  volume. 

William  M.  Shaver, 

Compiler. 
January  i,  1892. 


CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Opening  and  Closing  the  Lodge. 

Forms  of  Prayer  at  Opening 13 

A  Charge  used  at  Opening 14 

Forms  of  Prayer  at  Closing 15 

Benediction  at  Closing 17 

Opening  and  Closing  Odes 17 

The  Degree  of  Entered  apprentice. 

Section  i. 

Interrogatories ' 21 

Address  to  Candidate 22 

Prayer  at  Initiation 24 

Scriptural  Recitation 24 

Light---- 25 

Great  Lights 25 

Apron  Lecture 26 

Another  Form  of  Apron  Lecture-  26 

Another  Form  of  Apron  Lecture-  28 

Working  Tools 32 

Sectio7t  2, 

The  Badge  of  a  Mason 35 


8  CONTENTS. 

Section  s. 

A  Lodge 36 

The  Form 36 

Supports 36 

Covering 37 

Furniture 38 

Ornaments 40 

Lights 42 

Jewels 42 

How  Situated 43 

To  Whom  Dedicated 44 

Tenets 45 

Four  Cardinal  Virtues 47 

Charge 51 

The  Degree  of  fellow  Craft. 

Section  j. 

Scriptural  Recitation 54 

Working   Tools 54 

Section  2. 

Operative  Masonry 56 

Speculative   Masonry 57 

Of  the  Globes 58 

The  Use  of  the  Globes 5^ 


CONTENTS. 


9 


Of  Order  in  Architecture 59 

Of  its  Antiquity 59 

The  Five  Orders : 

Tuscan 60 

Doric 61 

Ionic 62 

Corinthian 62 

Of  the  Invention  of  this  Order-  63 

Composite . 63 

Of  the  Invention  of  Order  in  Ar- 
chitecture   64 

The  Five  Senses  of  Human  Na- 
ture : 

Hearing 65 

Seeing 66 

Feeling 67 

Smelling 67 

Tasting 68 

The    Seven    Liberal    Arts    and 
Sciences : 

Grammar 70 

Rhetoric 70 

Logic 71 

Arithmetic —  71 

—  2 


lo  CONTENTS. 

Geometry 72 

Of  the  Advantages  of  Geome- 
try   72 

Music 73 

Astronomy 73 

Music   [Second   Form  of  Lec- 
ture]    74 

Of  the  Moral  Advantages  of  Geo- 
metry   82 

Charge 84 

The  Degree  of  master  mason. 

Section  i. 

Scriptural  Recitation 86 

Working  Tools 87 

Section  2. 

Masonic  Dirge 89 

Prayer  at  Raising  a  Brother 91 

Another  Form  of  Prayer 92 

Lecture 93 

Section  j . 

King  Solomon's  Temple 97 

Descriptive  Lecture  on  the  Tem- 
ple  99 


CONTENTS.  H 

The  Three  Steps 103 

inePotof  Incense 103 

The  Bee  Hive 103 

Tha     Book    of     Constitutions, 

Guarded  by  the  Tyler's 

Sword 104 

The  Sword,  Pointing  to  a  Naked 

Heart 105 

The  Anchor  and  Ark 105 

The  ■  Forty-Seventh  Problem  of 

Euclid 106 

The  Hour  Glass 106 

The  Scythe 107 

Lecture  on  Masonic  Symbolism.-  iii 

Charge 129 

ANCIENT  CEREMONIES  OF   THE  ORDER. 
Section  i. 
General  Regulations  for  Proces- 
sions         132 

Section  2. 
Consecration,     Dedication     and 
Constitution  of    a  New 

Lodge 137 

General  Remarks 137 


!  CONTENTS. 

Consecration 140 

Dedication __         154 

Constitution .  155 

Section  3 . 

Installation  of  Officers  of  a  Lodge.         156 
Section  4. 

Installation    of    Officers    of   the 

Grand   Lodge 183 

Section  5. 

Laying  Foundation  Stones 209 

Section  6. 

Dedication  of  Masonic  Halls 225 

Section  7. 

Festival  Days 240 

Section  8. 

Grand  Visitations 241 

Section  p. 

Masonic  Funeral  Services 243 

General  Directions 244 

Service  in  the  Lodge-Room---        248 
Service  at  the  House  or  Church        257 

Service  at  the  Grave 267 

Ritual  for  a  Lodge  of  Sorrow 283 


OPENING  AND  CLOSING  THE 
LODGE. 

A  FORM  OF  PRAYER  THAT  MAY  BE  USED  AT  OPENING 
THE  LODGE. 

Most  merciful  God  I  Supreme  Architect  of 
Heaven  and  Earth!  We  beseech  Thee  to 
guide  and  protect  these,  Thy  servants  here 
assembled,  and  fulfill  at  this  time,  that  divine 
promise  Thou  wert  pleased  to  make,  to  those 
who  should  be  gathered  together  in  Thy 
Name. 

Teach  us  to  know  and  serve  Thee  aright. 
Bless  and  prosper  us  in  all  our  laudable 
undertakings,  and  grant,  that  all  our  conduct 
/nay  tend  to  Thy  glory,  to  the  advancement 
of  Masonry,  and  finally,  to  our  salvation. 
Amen! 

Response:     So  mote  it  be ! 

ANOTHER  FORM  OF  PRAYER  THAT  MAY  BB  USED 
AT  OPENING  THE  LODGE. 

Most  hdy  and  glorious  Lord  God!  The 
Great  Architect  of  the  Universe !    The  Giver 

13 


14  OPENING  AND   CLOSING. 

of  all  good  gifts  and  graces!  Thou  hast 
promised,  that  where  two  or  three  are  gathered 
together  in  Thy  Name,  Thou  wilt  be  in  the 
midst  of  them,  and  bless  them.  In  Thy  Name 
we  assemble,  most  humbly  beseeching  Thee  to 
bless  wsin  all  our  undertakings,  that  we  may 
know  and  serve  Thee  aright,  and  that  all  our 
actions  may  tend  to  Thy  glory,  and  to  our 
advancement  in  knowledge  and  virtue. 

And  we  beseech  Thee,  O  Lord  God,  to 
bless  our  present  assembling,  and  to  illumi- 
nate our  minds,  through  the  intercession  of 
the  Son  of  Righteousness,  that  we  may  walk 
in  the  light  of  Thy  countenance ;  and  when 
the  trials  of  our  probationary  state  are  over, 
be  admitted  into  THE  TEMPLE  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  Heavens.     Amen  ! 

Response:     So  mote  it  be ! 

A  CHARGE   USED  AT  OPENING  THE  LODGE. 

Behold,  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it  is 
for  brethren  to  dv/ell  together  in  unity  ! 

It  is  like  the  precious  ointment  upon  the 
head,  that  ran  down  upon  the  beard,  even 


OPENING  AND   CLOSING.  IS 

Aaron's  beard :  that  went  down  to  the  skirts 
of  his  garments  ; 

As  the  dew  of  Hermon,  and  as  the  dew  that 
descended  upon  the  mountains  of  Zion :  for 
there  the  Lord  commanded  the  blessing,  even 
life  for  evermore. 

[Psalm  CXXXIII.] 

A    FORM   OF   PRAYER   THAT   MAY    BE    USED    AT    CLOSING 
THE   LODGE. 

Supreme  Architect  of  the  Universe !  Ac- 
cept our  humble  praises  for  the  many  mercies 
and  blessings  which  Thy  bounty  has  conferred 
on  us,  and  especially  for  this  friendly  and 
social  intercourse.  Pardon,  we  beseech  Thee,^ 
whatever  Thou  hast  seen  amiss  in  us  since 
we  have  been  together ;  and  continue  to  us 
Thy  presence,  protection  and  blessing.  Make 
us  sensible  of  the  renewed  obligations  we  are 
under  to  love  Thee  supremely,  and  to  be 
friendly  to  each  other.  May  all  our  irregular 
passions  be  subdued,  and  may  we  daily 
increase  in  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity;  but 
more  especially  in  that  Charity,  which  is  the 


l6  OPENING  AND  CLOSING. 

bond  of  peace,  and  the  perfection  of  every 
virtue.  May  we  so  practice  Tliy  precepts, 
tliat,  through  the  merits  of  the  Redeemer,  we 
may  finally  obtain  Thy  promises,  and  fmd  an 
entrance  through  the  gates  into  the  Temple 
and  City  of  our  God  !  Amen  ! 
Response:     So  mote  it  be  ! 


ANOTHER    FORM    OF    PRAYER   THAT    MAY    BE    USED    AT 
CLOSING  THE  LODGE. 


Great  and  glorious  Lord  God !  Ruler  of 
Heaven  and  Earth  !  We  are  now  about  to 
separate,  and  return  to  our  respective  places 
of  abode.  Grant  that  every  brother  may 
practice  out  of  the  Lodge  those  great  duties 
which  are  inculcated  in  it,  and  with  reverence 
study  and  obey  the  laws  which  Thou  hast 
given  us  in  Thy  Holy  Word  ;  and  grant,  O 
Lord!  that  brotherly  love  may  prevail,  and 
every  moral  and  social  virtue  cement  us. 
Amen  ! 

Response:     So  mote  it  be ! 


OPENING  AND  CLOSING. 


BENEDICTION  USED  AT  CLOSING  THE  LODGE. 

May  the  blessing  of  Heaven  rest  upon  us, 
and  all  regular  Masons  !  May  brotherly  love 
prevail,  and  every  moral  and  social  virtue 
cement  us  !     Amen  ! 

Response:     So  mote  it  be  ! 

The  following  Odes  may  be  used  : 

AN  OPENING  ODE. 

Tune:  Evan.  C.  M. 


With  -  in  our  tern  -  pie    met  a  -  gain, 


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OPENING  AND  CLOSING. 


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Around  our  altar's  sacred  shrine 
May  Love's  pure  incense  rise, 

Bearing  upon  its  mystic  flame 
Our  music  to  the  skies  ! 


OPENING  AND  CLOSING. 

A  CLOSING  ODE. 

Ttne:   Autumn.  8s,  7s,  L>. 


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Now  our  so  -  cial    la  -  bors  clos  -  ing, 
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OPENING   AN/)   CLOSING. 


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THE    DEGREE    OF    ENTERED 
APPRENTICE. 

FIRST  SECTION, 

INTERROGATORIES    TO    BE    PROPOUNDED    TO  A  CANDI- 
DATE PREVIOUS  TO  INITIATION. 

Do  you  seriously  declare,  upon  your  honor, 
before  these  gentlemen,  that,  unbiased  by 
friends,  and  uninfluenced  by  mercenary  mo- 
tives, you  freely  and  voluntarily  offer  yourself 
a  candidate  for  the  mysteries  of  Masonry? 

To  be  answered:     I  do. 

Do  you  seriously  declare,  upon  your  honor, 
before  these  gentlemen,  that  you  are  prompted 
to  solicit  the  privileges  of  Masonry  by  a 
favorable  opinion  conceived  of  the  Institution, 
a  desire  of  knowledge,  and  a  sincere  wish  of 
being  serviceable  to  your  fellow-creatures? 

To  be  answered:     I  do. 

Do  you  seriously  declare,  upon  your  honor, 
before  these  gentlemen,  that  you  will  cheer- 


22  ENTERED  APPt^ENTlCE. 

fully  conform  to  all  the  ancient  established 
usages  and  customs  of  the  fraternity? 
To  be  answered:     I  do. 

ADDRESS  TO  THE   CANDIDATE. 

Mr. :     As   you  have  petitioned  for 

admission  into  our  Ancient  and  Honorable 
Order,  and  have  been  accepted  by  a  unani- 
mous ballot,  it  becomes  my  duty  to  inform 
you  that  the  Institution  of  which  you  are 
about  to  become  a  member,  is  by  no  means  of 
a  light  and  trifling  character,  but  of  high  im- 
portance and  due  solemnity. 

Masonry  consists  of  a  course  of  hieroglyph- 
ical  and  moral  instruction,  taught  agreeably 
to  ancient  usage,  by  types,  emblems  and 
allegorical  figures.  Even  the  ceremony  of 
your  gaining  admission  within  these  walls  is 
emblematical  of  an  event  which  must  sooner 
or  later  overtake  all  mankind.  It  is  emblem- 
atical, at  least  in  some  small  degree,  of 
nothing  less  than  your  last  great  change,— 
your  transition  from  Time  to  Eternity. 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE.  2^ 

You  are  aware  that  whatever  a  man  may 
have  gained  here  on  earth,  whether  of  titles, 
wealth,  honors,  or  even  his  own  merit,  can 
never  serve  him  as  a  passport  to  the  Grand 
Lodge  above ;  but  previous  to  his  gaining 
admission  there  he  must  become  poor  and 
destitute,  blind  and  naked,  dependent  upon 
the  Sovereign  Will  of  our  Supreme  Grand 
Master ;  he  must  be  divested  of  the  rags  of 
his  own  righteousness,  and  be  clothed  in  a 
garment  furnished  him  from  on  high.  And 
in  order  to  impress  these  truths  more  deeply 
upon  your  mind,  it  will  become  necessary, 
agreeably  to  the  usages  of  Our  Order,  that 
you    ************* 

Are  you  willing  to  submit  to  these  regula- 
tions? 

[  Candidate  assents .  ] 

I  will  now  leave  you  in  the  hands  of  these 
true  and  trusty  friends,  who  will  give  you  all 
necessary  instruction,  and  prepare  you  in  a 
suitable  manner,  as  all  candidates  have  been 
prepared  before  you. 
**        *        *         *         *        *        *        * 


24  ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 

PRAYER   USED  AT  THE   INITIATION   OF  A   CANDIDA! fc. 

Vouchsafe  Thine  aid,  Almighty  Father  of 
the  Universe,  to  this  our  present  convention ; 
and  grant  that  this  candidate  for  Masonry 
may  dedicate  and  devote  his  life  to  Thy  ser- 
vice, and  become  a  true  and  faithful  brother 
among  us !  Endue  him  with  a  competency 
of  Thy  divine  wisdom,  that,  by  the  secrets  of 
our  art,  he  may  be  better  enabled  to  display 
the  beauties  of  Brotherly  Love,  Relief  and 
Truth,  to  the  honor  of  Thy  Holy  Name! 
Amen  ! 

/Response:     So  mote  it  be  ! 
***         *         ***** 

SCRIPTURAL   RECITATION. 
PSALM  CXXXIII. 

*  Behold,  how  good  and  how  pleasant  it 
is  for  brethren  to  dwell  together  in  unity ! 

*  It  is  like  the  precious  ointment  upon  the 
head,  that  ran  down  upon  the  beard,  even 
Aaron's  beard  :  that  went  down  to  the  skirts 
of  his  garments;   As  the  dew  of    Hermon, 


ENTERED  APPRENTICH, 


and  as  the  dew  that  descended   upon   the 
tnountains  of  Zion : 

*    For  there   the    Lord   <:ommanded   the 
blessing,  even  life  for  evermore. 


iVi  the  beginning  God  created  the  heaven 
and  the  earth. 

And  the  earth  was  without  form,  and  void; 
and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the  deep. 
Aiid  the  Spirit  of  God  moved  upon  the  face 
vi  the  waters. 

And  God  said.  Let  there  be  light:  and 
there  was  light. 

In  solemn  commemoration  of  that  sublime 
€vent     ******** 


GREAT  LIGHTS. 

The  HOLY  BIBLE  is  the  rule  and  guide  of 
taitli ;  the  SQUARE,  to  square  our  actions : 
and  the   COMPASSES,  to  circumscribe  and 
-3 


26  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

keep  us  in  due  bounds  with  all  mankind,  but 
more  especially  with  a  brother  Mason. 


APRON    LECTURE. 

*  *  *  A  Lambskin,  or  White  Leather 
Apron,  which  is  an  emblem  of  innocence,  and 
the  badge  of  a  Mason  ;  more  ancient  than  the 
Golden  Fleece,  or  Roman  Eagle;  more  honor- 
able than  the  Star  and  Garter,  or  any  other 
Order  that  can  be  conferred  upon  you  at  this 
time,  or  at  any  future  period,  by  King,  Prince, 
Potentate,  or  any  other  person,  except  he  be 
a  Mason  ;  and  which  I  hope  you  will  wear 
with  equal  pleasure  to  yourself  and  honor  to 
the  Fraternity.     Take  it,      ****** 

[Or  the  following  Apron  Lecture  may  be 
used :] 

*  *  *  A  Lambskin,  or  White  Leather 
Apron,  which  is  an  emblem  of  innocence,  and 
the  badge  of  a  Mason, — the  distinguished 
badge  of  a  Mason. 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE.  27 

It  may  be  that,  in  the  coming  years,  upon 
your  head  shall  rest  the  laurel  leaves  of  vic- 
tory ;  from  your  breast  may  hang  jewels  fit 
to  grace  the  diadem  of  an  Eastern  Potentate  ; 
nay,  more  than  these,  with  light  added  to  the 
coming  light,  your  ambitious  feet  may  tread 
round  after  round  of  the  ladder  that  leads  to 
fame  in  our  mystic  circles,  and  even  the  pur- 
ple of  our  fraternity  rest  upon  your  honored 
shoulders ;  but  never  again  from  mortal 
hands,  never  again,  until  your  enfranchised 
spirit  shall  have  passed  upward  and  inward 
through  the  pearly  gates,  shall  any  honor  so 
distinguished,  so  emblematical  of  purity 
and  all  perfection,  be  bestowed  upon  you  as 
this  which  1  confer  to-night.  It  is  yours ; 
your  name  is  inscribed  upon  it;  yours  to  wear 
throughout  an  honorable  life,  and  at  your 
death  to  be  deposited  upon  the  coffin  which 
incloses  your  lifeless  remains,  and  with  them 
laid  beneath  the  clods  of  the  valley. 

Let  its  pure  and  spotless  surface  be  to  you 
an  ever-present  reminder  of  a  "  purity  of  life 
and    rectitude   of  conduct,"  a   never-ending 


28  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

argument  for  nobler  deeds,  for  higher 
thoughts,  for  purer  actions.  And  when  at 
last  these  weary  feet  shall  have  come  to  the 
end  of  their  toilsome  journey,  and  from  your 
nerveless  grasp  shall  drop  forever  the  working 
tools  of  life,  may  the  record  of  your  life  and 
actions  be  as  pure  and  spotless  as  the  fair 
emblem  which  I  place  within  your  hands  to- 
night. And  when  your  trembling  soul  stands 
naked  and  alone  before  the  Great  White 
Throne,  may  it  be  your  portion,  oh!  my 
brother,  to  hear  from  Him  who  sitteth  as  the 
Judge  Supreme  the  welcome  words  of  "  Well 
done,  good  and  faithful  servant,  enter  thou 
into  the  joys  of  Thy  Lord."    Take  it,   *  *  * 

[Or  the  following  Apron  Lecture  maybe 
used :] 

*  *  *  A  Lambskin,  or  White  Leather 
Apron,  which  is  an  emblem  of  innocence, 
and  the  badge  of  a  Mason  ;  more  ancient 
than  the  Golden  Fleece,  or  Roman  Eagle ; 
more  honorable  than  the  Star  and  Garter,  or 
any  other  Order  that  can  be  conferred  upon 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE.  29 

you  at  this  time,  or  at  any  future  period,  by 
King,  Prince,  Potentate,  or  any  othier  person, 
except  lie  be  a  Mason ;  and  wliicii  emblem, 
plain  and  unadorned,  has,  from  a  time  whence 
the  memory  of  man  runneth  not  to  the  con- 
trary, been  the  peculiar  clothing  of  all  Free 
and  Accepted  Masons. 

The  citizen  toiling  in  humble  poverty,  and 
the  Prince  commanding  the  resources  of  em- 
pires, have  alike  worn  it,  in  the  conscious- 
ness that  it  has  lightened  the  labors  of  the 
one  and  added  dignity  to  the  power  of  the 
other.  It  may  be  that  you  now  are,  or  yet 
will  be,  so  firmly  intrenched  in  the  confidence 
of  your  fellow-men,  or  so  deserve  their  grati- 
tude, that  they  will  elevate  you  to  the  highest 
position  of  honor,  trust  and  emolument,  and 
cause  your  name  to  be  inscribed  high  on  the 
Pillar  of  Worldly  Fame,  but  never  before 
have  you  had,  and  never  again,  my  brother, 
will  you  have,  a  higher  mark  of  favor  and 
confidence  bestowed  upon  you  than  this, 
which  I,  as  the  representative  of  these  breth- 


30  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

ren  and  the  Craft  throughout  the  world,  am 
about  to  present  to  you. 

This  emblem  which  Solomon  wore  when 
arrayed  in  all  his  glory,  which  invested  with 
additional  dignity  the  immortal  Washington, 
and  which  has  been  eagerly  sought  and 
worthily  worn  by  the  best  of  men  of  your 
own  generation,  I  now  take  pleasure  in  pre- 
senting to  you.  Its  spotless  white  is  emblem- 
atical of  that  purity  of  heart  and  upright- 
ness of  manhood  which  we  expect  and 
sincerely  hope  will  hereafter  distinguish  the 
conduct  of  all  your  personal  and  social  affairs. 

This  emblem  is  now  yours ;  to  wear,  we 
hope,  with  equal  pleasure  to  yourself,  and 
honor  to  the  Fraternity.  If  you  disgrace  it, 
the  disgrace  will  be  augmented  by  the  con- 
sciousness that  you  have  been  taught,  in  this 
Lodge,  the  principles  of  a  correct  and  manly 
life.  It  is  yours  to  wear  as  a  Mason  so  long 
as  the  vital  spark  shall  animate  your  mortal 
frame ;  and  at  last,  whether  in  youth,  man- 
hood or  age,  your  spirit  having  winged  its 
flight  to  that  "  House  not  made  with  hands,' 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE.  3t 

when  amid  the  tears  and  sorrows  of  surviv- 
ing re/atives  and  friends,  and  by  the  hands 
of  sympathizing  brother  Masons,  your  body 
shall  be  lowered  to  the  confines  of  that  narrow 
house  appointed  for  all  living,  it  will  still  be 
yours  ;  yours  to  be  placed  with  the  evergreen 
upon  the  coffin  that  shall  enclose  your  re- 
mains, and  to  be  buried  with  them. 

My  brother,  may  you  so  wear  this  emblem 
of  spotless  white  that  no  act  of  yours  shall 
ever  stain  its  purity,  or  cast  a  reflection  upon 
this  ancient  and  honorable  institution  that 
has  outlived  the  fortunes  of  Kings  and  the 
mutations  of  Empires.  May  you  so  wear  it, 
and 

"  So  live,  that  when  thy  summons  comes  to  join 
The  innumerable  caravan  that  moves 
To  the  pale  realms  of  shade,  where  each  shall  take 
His  chamber  in  the  silent  halls  of  death, 
Thou  go  not,  like  the  quarry  slave  at  night. 
Scourged  to  his  dungeon,  but,  sustained  and  soothed 
By  an  unfaltering  trust,  approach  thy  grave 
Like  one  who  wraps  the  drapery  of  his  couch 
About  him,  and  lies  down  to  pleasant  dreams." 

Take  it,     *     *     *     *     * 


32  ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 

WORKING  TOOLS. 

The  Working  Tools  of  an  Entered  Appren- 
tice are  the  TWENTY-FOUR  INCH   GAUGE 

and  Common  Gavel. 

The  Twenty-four  Inch  Gauge  is  an  in- 
strument made  use  of  by  operative  masons 
to  measure  and  lay  out  their  work ;  but  we, 
as  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to 
make  use  of  it  for  the  more  noble  and  glorious 
purpose  of  dividing  our  time.  It  being 
divided  into  twenty-four  equal  parts,  is  em- 
blematical of  the  twenty-four  hours  of  the 
day,  which  we  are  taught  to  divide  into  three 
equal  parts,  whereby  we  find  eight  hours  for 
the  service  of  God  and  a  distressed  worthy 
brother ;  eight  hours  for  our  usual  avocations ; 
and  eight  for  refreshment  and  sleep. 

[The  following  clause  on  the  use  of  the 
Twenty-four  Inch  Gauge  may  be  added :] 

A  proper  division  of  our  time,  and  con- 
forming as  nearly  as  possible  to  that  division, 
is  of  great  importance  in  the  transaction  of 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE.  33 

our  worldly  business.  The  division  above 
set  forth,  is  admirably  contrived  for  the  pro- 
motion of  our  comfort  and  enjoyments.  A 
portion  of  our  time  is  thus  allotted  to  the 
service  of  God ;  of  that  beneficent  Being  to 
whom  we  are  indebted  for  our  existence,  and 
on  whose  bounty  we  are  dependent  for  the 
comforts  of  this  life.  What  duty  is  more 
pleasing  than  that  intercourse  which  every 
reasonable  creature  ought  to  maintain  with 
the  great  Author  of  his  being  ? 

The  Common  Gavel  is  an  instrument 
made  use  of  by  operative  masons  to  break 
off  the  corners  of  rough  stones,  the  better  to 
fit  them  for  the  builder's  use ;  but  we,  as 
Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to 
make  use  of  it  for  the  more  noble  and  glorious 
purpose  of  divesting  our  minds  and  con- 
sciences of  all  the  vices  and  superfluities  of  life, 
thereby  fitting  our  bodies,  as  living  stones, 
for  that  spiritual  building,  that  "  House  not 
made  with  hands,"  eternal  in  the  heavens. 


34  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

[The  following  clause  on  the  use  of  the 
Gavel  may  be  added  :] 

We  are  admonished  by  this  instrument  to 
divest  our  minds  and  consciences  of  the  vices 
and  superfluities  of  this  life.  Let  every 
brother  ask  himself,  when  this  instrument  is 
presented  before  him,  if  in  his  life  and  con- 
duct he  adheres  to  this  admonition.  Let  him 
endeavor  to  curb  those  unruly  passions  which 
produce  dissension  ;  restrain  those  propensi- 
ties and  inclinations  which  lead  to  vice  and 
folly  ;  let  him  give  more  attention  to  the  in- 
structions contained  in  the  Book  of  Life, 
which  we  revere  as  the  guide  of  our  lives  and 
the  rule  of  our  faith,  that  he  may  be  the 
better  prepared,  when  the  awful  period  of  his 
separation  from  the  things  of  time  and  sense 
approaches,  for  the  enjoyment  of  happiness 
in  another  and  a  better  world,  where  moth 
and  rust  corrupt  not,  nor  thieves  break 
through  and  steal. 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 


SECOND   SEC  HON. 


THE   BADGE  OF  A   AVASON. 


* ,  *  *  The  lamb  has  in  all  ages  been 
deemed  an  emblem  of  Innocence  ;  he,  there- 
fore, who  wears  the  Lambskin  as  a  badge  of 
Masonry,  is  thereby  continually  reminded  of 
that  purity  of  life  and  conduct,  which  is 
essentially  necessary  to  his  gaining  admis- 
sion into  the  Celestial  Lodge  above,  where 
the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  Universe  pre- 
sides. 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  :?  * 

THIRD  SECTION. 

The  Third  Section  explains  the  nature  and 
principles  of  our  constitution,  and  teaches  us 
to  discharge  with  propriety  the  duties  of  our 
respective  stations.  Here,  too,  we  receive 
instruction  relative  to  the  Form,  Supports, 
Covering,  Furniture,  Ornaments,  Lights  and 
Jewels  of  a  Lodge,  how  it  should  be  situated, 
dnd  to  whom  dedicated.     A  proper  attention 


36  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

is  also  paid  to  our  ancient  and  venerable 
patrons. 

A  LODGE. 

A  Lodge  is  a  certain  number  of  Masons 
duly  assembled,  with  the  Holy  Bible,  Square 
and  Compasses,  and  a  Charter  or  Warrant 
empowering  them  to  work. 

Our  ancient  brethren  usually  met  on  a 
high  hill,  or  in  a  low  dale,  the  better  to  dis- 
cover the  approach  of  cowans  and  eaves* 
droppers,  either  ascending  or  descending. 

THE  FORM. 

The  FORM  OF  A  LODGE  is  an  oblong. 
Its  length,  from  East  to  West ;  its  breadth, 
from  North  to  South  ;  its  height,  from  the 
■Earth  to  the  Heavens ;  its  depth,  from  its 
circumference  to  its  center.  It  is  of  such 
vast  dimensions  to  show  the  universality  of 
Masonry,  and  that  Masonic  Charity  should 
oe  equally  extensive. 

SUPPORTS. 

This  great  fabric  is  SUPPORTED  by 
THREE  GRAND  PILLARS*  called  WISDOM. 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE.  37 

STRENGTH  and  BEAUTY  ;  so  called  because 
it  is  necessary  that  there  should  be  Wisdom 
to  contrive,  Strength  to  support,  and  Beauty 
to  adorn  all  great  and  important  under- 
takings. 
They  are  represented  by    *****     * 

COVERING. 

Its  COVERING  is  no  less  than  the  clouded 
canopy,  or  starry-decked  heaven,  where  all 
good  Masons  hope  at  last  to  arrive,  by  the 
aid  of  the  theological  ladder,  which  Jacob, 
in  his  vision,  saw  ascending  from  Earth  to 
Heaven  ;  the  three  principal  rounds  of  which 
are  denominated  FAITH,  HOPE  and  CHAR- 
ITY ;  and  which  admonish  us  to  have  faith 
in  God,  hope  in  immortality,  and  charity  to 
all  mankind. 

The  principal  of  these  is  Charity,  because 
our  Faith  may  be  lost  in  sight,  Hope  ends  in 
fruition,  but  Charity  extends  beyond  the 
grave,  through  the  boundless  realms  of 
fternity. 


50  ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 

FURNITURE. 

The  Furniture  of  a  lodge  is  the 
HOLY  Bible,  Square  and  Compasses. 

The  Bible  points  out  the  path  that  leads  to 
happiness,  and  is  dedicated  to  God ;  the 
Square  teaches  us  to  regulate  our  conduct  by 
the  principles  of  morality  and  virtue,  and  is 
dedicated  to  the  Master ;  the  Compasses 
teach  us  to  limit  our  desires  in  every  station, 
and  are  dedicated  to  the  Craft. 

The  Bible  is  dedicated  to  the  service  of 
God,  because  it  is  the  inestimable  gift  of  God 
to  man,  *******.  ^j-^g  Square 
to  the  Master,  because,  being  the  proper 
masonic  emblem  of  his  office,  it  is  constantly 
to  remind  him  of  the  duty  he  owes  to  the 
Lodge  over  which  he  is  appointed  to  preside  ; 
and  the  Compasses  to  the  Craft,  because,  by 
a  due  attention  to  their  use,  they  are  taught 
to  regulate  their  desires,  and  keep  their 
passions  within  due  bounds. 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE.  39 

LThe  following  additional  clause  relative  to 
the  Furniture  may  be  used  :] 

The  Bible  is  valuable  also,  as  it  affords  an 
authentic  history  of  mankind,  and  by  exhib- 
iting the  actual  manner  in  which  societies 
were  formed,  offers  the  best  theory  of  the 
social  compact.  Its  historical  parts,  whilst 
throwing  much  light  upon  the  traditions  of 
our  order,  tend  also  to  show  with  great 
probability,  that  those  general  principles  of 
morals  prevalent  amongst  the  rudest  and 
most  unlettered  nations,  and  which  have, 
perhaps,  been  too  hastily  attributed  to  the 
efforts  of  natural  reason,  are  more  rationally 
to  be  ascribed  to  direct  revelation,  and  will 
appear,  with  all  the  errors  and  impurities 
which  time,  situation,  and  the  proclivity  of 
corruption  may  have  produced,  to  have  been 
the  broken  glimpses  of  a  fuller  and  clearer 
light,  originally  radiated  directly  from 
Heaven. 

The  purity  and  sublimity  of  the  morals  of 
the  Bible,  have  at  no  time  and  in  no  country 
been  questioned  ;  in  vain  do  we  look  among 


40  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

the  writings  of  ancient  pliilosophers  for  a 
system  of  moral  law  comparable  with  it. 
From  it  may  be  collected  a  system  of  ethics 
in  which  every  moral  precept  founded  in 
reason,  is  carried  to  a  higher  degree  of  purity 
and  perfection,  than  in  any  system  of  the 
wisest  and  most  celebrated  philosophers. 
Every  moral  precept  founded  on  false  prin- 
ciples is  totally  omitted,  and  many  new 
precepts  added,  particularly  corresponding 
with  the  objects  of  religion. 

ORNAMENTS. 

The  Ornaments  of  a  Lodge  are,  the 

MOSAIC  PAVEMENT,  the  INDENTED  TES- 
SEL,  and  the  BLAZING  STAR. 

The  Mosaic  Pavement  is  a  representation 
of  the  ground  floor  of  King  Solomon's 
Temple ;  the  Indented  Tessel,  that  beautiful 
tesselated  border,  or  skirting,  which  sur- 
rounded it;  and  the  Blazing  Star,  in  the 
center,  is  commemorative  of  the  star  which 
appeared  to  guide  the  wise  men  of  the  East 
to  the  place  of  our  Savior's  nativity. 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE.  4t 

The  Mosaic  Pavement  is  emblematic  of 
liuman  life,  checkered  with  good  and  evil  ; 
the  beautiful  border  which  surrounds  it,  those 
blessings  and  comforts  which  surround  us, 
and  which  we  hope  to  obtain  by  a  faithful 
reliance  on  Divine  Providence,  which  is 
hieroglyphically  represented  by  the  Blazing 
Star  in  the  center. 

[The  following  clause  on  the  Mosaic  Pave- 
ment may  be  added :] 

Whilst  the  Mosaic  Pavement  is  before  us, 
we  are  instructed  to  boast  of  nothing  ;  have 
compassion,  and  render  assistance  to  those 
who  are  in  adversity  ;  to  walk  uprightly  and 
with  humility  ;  for  such  is  this  present  state 
of  existence,  that  there  is  no  situation  in 
which  we  can  be  placed,  but  is  subject  to  re- 
verses ;  to-day  our  feet  tread  in  prosperity, 
to-morrow  we  totter  on  the  uneven  paths  of 
weakness,  temptation  and  adversity.  Whilst 
we  tread  this  Mosaic,  let  every  Mason  bear 
these  facts  in  remembrance,  and  as  the  dic- 

-4" 


49  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

tates  of  reason  and  conscience  prompt  him, 
live  in  brotherly  love. 

LIGHTS. 

A  Lodge  has  THREE  LIGHTS,  situated 
East,  West  and  South.  There  is  none  in  the 
North,  because  of  the  situation  of  King 
Solomon's  Temple ;  it  being  situated  so  far 
North  of  the  ecliptic  that  the  sun  or  moon  at 
their  meridian  height,  could  dart  no  rays  into 
the  north  p'art  of  it ;  so  we  Masonically  term 
the  North  a  place  of  darkness. 

JEWELS. 

A  Lodge  has  SIX  JEWELS  ;  three  IMMOV- 
ABLE and  three  MOVABLE. 

The  IMMOVABLE  JEWELS  are  the 
SQUARE,  Level  and  PLUMB. 

The  Square  teaches  morality ;  the  Level, 
equality  ;  the  Plumb,  rectitude  of  life. 

The  MOVABLE  JEWELS  are  the  ROUGH 
ASHLAR,  the  PERFECT  ASHLAR,  and  the 
TRESTLE  BOARD. 

The  Rough  Ashlar  is  a  stone  as  taken  from 
the  quarry  in  its  rude  and  natural  state.   The 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE.  4| 

Perfect  Ashlar  is  a  stone  made  ready  by  the 
hands  of  the  workman  to  be  adjusted  by  the 
tools  of  the  Fellow  Craft.  The  Trestle  Board 
is  for  the  Master  Workman  to  draw  his  de- 
signs upon. 

By  the  Rough  Ashlar,  we  are  reminded  of 
our  rude  and  imperfect  state  by  nature ;  by 
the  Perfect  Ashlar,  that  state  of  perfection  at 
which  we  hope  to  arrive,  by  a  virfuous  edu- 
cation, our  own  endeavors,  and  the  blessing 
of  God ;  and  by  the  Trestle  Board,  we  are 
reminded,  that  as  the  operative  workman 
erects  his  temporal  building  agreeably  to  the 
rules  and  designs  laid  down  by  the  Master  on 
his  Trestle  Board,  so  shall  we,  both  operative 
and  speculative,  endeavor  to  erect  our  spir- 
itual building  agreeably  to  the  rules  and  de- 
signs laid  down  by  the  Supreme  Architect  of 
the  Universe  in  the  Book  of  Life,  which  is 
our  Spiritual  Trestle  Board. 

HOW  SITUATED. 

All  Lodges  should  be  situated  due  East  and 
West,  because  of  the  situation  of  King  Solo- 
mon's Temple. 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 


King  Solomon's  Temple  was  so  situated 
because,  after  Moses  had  safely  conducted 
the  Children  of  Israel  through  the  Red  Sea, 
when  pursued  by  Pharaoh  and  his  hosts,  he 
there^  by  divine  command,  erected  a  Taber- 
nacle, and  situated  it  due  East  and  West,  in 
order  to  perpetuate  the  remembrance  of  that 
mighty  east  wind  by  which  their  miraculous 
deliverance  was  wrought ;  and  also  to  re- 
ceive the  rays  of  the  rising  sun.  And  as  that 
Tabernacle  was  an  exact  model  of  King  Solo- 
mon's Temple,  therefore  all  Lodges  should  be 
situated  due  East  and  West. 

TO  WHOM  DEDICATED. 

Lodges  were  anciently  dedicated  to  KING 
Solomon,  because  he  was  our  first  Most 
Excellent  Grand  Master ;  but  Masons  of  the 
present  day  dedicate  theirs  to  ST.  JOHN  THE 
BAPTIST,  and  ST.  JOHN  THE  EVANGELIST, 
who  were  eminent  patrons  of  Masonry  ;  and 
since  their  time  there  is  represented  in  every 
regular  and  well  governed  Lodge,  a  certain 
POINT  WITHIN  A  CIRCLE:  the  Point  repre- 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 

sentlng  an  individual  brother,  the  Circle  rep- 
resenting the  boundary  line  of  his  duty  to 
God  and  man,  beyond  which  he  is  never  to 
suffer  his  passions,  prejudices  or  interests  to 
betray  him  on  any  occasion.  This  Circle  is 
embordered  by  TWO  PERPENDICULAR, 
Parallel  Lines,  representing  St.  John  the 
Baptist  and  St.  John  the  Evangelist,  who 
were  perfect  parallels,  in  Christianity,  as  well 
as  Masonry  ;  and  upon  the  vertex  rests  the 

BOOK  OF  Holy  Scriptures,  which  point 
out  the  whole  duty  of  man.  In  going  round 
this  Circle,  we  necessarily  touch  upon  these 
Two  Lines,  as  well  as  upon  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures ;  and  while  a  Mason  keeps  himself  thus 
circumscribed,  it  is  impossible  that  he  should 
materially  err. 

TENETS. 

The    Tenets  of  our  profession  are    BRO- 
THERLY  LOVE,  RELIEF  and  TRUTH. 

^OF  BROTHERLY  LOVE. 

By  the  exercise  of  Brotherly  Love,  we  are 
taught  to  regard  the  whole  human  species  as 


46  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

one  family  ;  the  high  and  low,  the  rich  and 
poor;  who,  as  created  by  one  Almighty  Parent, 
and  inhabitants  of  the  •  same  planet,  are 
to  aid,  support  and  protect  each  other.  On 
this  principle.  Masonry  unites  men  of  every 
country,  sect  and  opinion,  and  conciliates  true 
friendship  among  those  who  might  otherwise 
have  remained  at  a  perpetual  distance. 

OF     RELIEF. 

To  relieve  the  distressed  is  a  duty  incum- 
bent on  all  men,  but  particularly  on  Masons, 
who  are  linked  together  by  an  indissoluble 
chain  of  sincere  affection.  To  soothe  the  un- 
happy, to  sympathize  with  their  misfortunes, 
to  compassionate  their  miseries,  and  to  re- 
store peace  to  their  troubled  minds,  is  the 
grand  aim  we  have  in  view.  On  this  basis 
we  form  our  friendships,  and  establish  our 
connections. 

OF  TRUTH. 

Truth  is  a  divine  attribute,  and  the  foun- 
dation of  every  virtue.  To  be  good  and  true, 
is  the  first  lesson  we  are  taught  in  Masonry. 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


On  this  theme  we  contemplate,  and  by  its  dic- 
tates endeavor  to  regulate  our  conduct. 
Hence,  while  influenced  by  this  principle, 
hypocrisy  and  deceit  are  unknown  among  us', 
sincerity  and  plain  dealing  distinguish  us, 
and  the  heart  and  tongue  join  in  promoting 
each  other's  welfare,  and  rejoicing  in  each 
other's  prosperity. 


THE  FOUR    CARDINAL    VIRTUES— TEMPERANCE, 
FORTITUDE,  PRUDENCE  AND    JUSTICE. 

OF  TEMPERANCE. 

Temperance  is  that  due  restraint  upon  our 
affections  and  passions,  which  renders  the 
body  tame  and  governable,  and  frees  the 
mind  from  the  allurements  of  vice.  This  vir- 
tue should  be  the  constant  practice  of  every 
Mason,  as  he  is  thereby  taught  to  avoid  ex- 
cess, or  contracting  any  licentious  or  vicious 
habit,  the  indulgence  of  which  might  lead 
him  to  disclose  some  of  those  valuable  se- 
crets, which  he  has  promised  to  conceal  anii 


48  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

never  reveal,  and  which  would  consequently 
subject  him  to  the  contempt  and  detestation 
of  all  good  Masons,    ******** 

OF  FORTITUDE. 

Fortitude  is  that  noble  and  steady  purpose 
of  the  mind,  whereby  we  are  enabled  to  un 
dergo  any  pain,  peril  or  danger,  when  pru- 
dentially  deemed  expedient.  This  virtue  is 
equally  distant  from  rashness  and  cowardice; 
and,  like  the  former,  should  be  deeply  im- 
pressed upon  the  mind  of  every  Mason,  as  a 
safeguard  or  security  against  any  illegal  at- 
tack that  may  be  made,  by  force  or  otherwise, 
to  extort  from  him  any  of  those  secrets  with 
which  he  has  been  so  solemnly  entrusted ; 
and  which  was  emblematically  represented 
upon  his  first  admission  into  the  Lodge,  *    * 

OF  PRUDENCE. 

Prudence  teaches  us  to  regulate  our  lives 
and  actions  agreeably  to  the  dictates  of  rea- 
son, and  is  that  habit  by  which  we  wisely 
judge,  and    prudentially    determine,    on   all 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE.  <l(, 

things  relative  to  our  present,  as  well  as  to 
our  future  happiness.  This  virtue  should  be 
the  peculiar  characteristic  of  every  Mason, 
not  only  for  the  government  of  his  conduct 
while  in  the  Lodge,  but  also  when  abroad  in 
the  world  ;  it  should  be  particularly  attended 
to  in  all  strange  and  mixed  companies,  never 
to  let  fall  the  least  sign,  token  or  word, 
whereby  the  secrets  of  Masonry  might  be  un- 
lawfully obtained,      ***** 

OF  JUSTICE. 

Justice  is  that  standard,  or  boundary,  of 
right,  which  enables  us  to  render  to  every 
man  his  just  due,  without  distinction.  This 
virtue  is  not  only  consistent  with  divine  and 
human  laws,  but  Is  the  very  cement  and  sup- 
port of  civil  society ;  and,  as  justice  in  a 
great  measure  constitutes  the  real  good  man, 
so  should  it  be  the  invariable  practice  of 
every  Mason  never  to  deviate  from  the  minu- 
test principles  thereof,     *     *     »     * 


;0  ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 

[The  following  may  be  used  :] 

*  *  *  Our  Mother  Earth,  which  aione 
of  all  the  elements,  has  never  proved  un- 
friendly to  man.  The  bodies  of  water  deluge 
him  with  rain,  oppress  him  with  hail,  and 
drown  him  with  inundations.  The  air  rushes 
in  storms,  prepares  the  tempests,  and  fire 
lights  up  the  volcano  ;  but  the  earth,  ever 
kind  and  indulgent,  is  .found  subservient  to 
his  wishes.  Though  constantly  harassed, 
more  to  furnish  the  luxuries  than  the  neces- 
saries of  life,  she  never  refuses  her  accus- 
tomed yield,  spreading  his  path  with  flowers, 
and  his  table  with  plenty.  Though  she 
produces  poison,  still  she  supplies  the  anti- 
dote, and  returns  with  interest  every  good 
committed  to  her  care  ;  and  when  at  last  we 
are  called  upon  to  pass  through  the  "  dark 
valley  of  the  shadow  of  Death,"  she  once 
more  receives  us,  and  piously  covers  our 
remains  within  her  bosom  ;  thus  admonishing 
us  that  as  from  it  we  came,  so  to  it  we  muse 
all  return. 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE.  51 

CHARGE  TO  THE   CANDIDATE. 

Brother — 

As  you  are  now  introduced  into  tlie  first 
principles  of  Masonry,  I  congratulate  you  on 
being  accepted  into  this  ancient  and  honor- 
able Order;  ancient,  as  having  subsisted 
from  time  immemorial,  and  honorable,  as 
tending,  in  every  particular,  so  to  render  all 
men  who  will  be  conformable  to  its  precepts. 
No  institution  was  ever  raised  on  a  better 
principle,  or  more  solid  foundation  ;  nor  were 
ever  more  excellent  rules  and  useful  maxims 
laid  down  than  are  inculcated  in  the  several 
Masonic  Lectures.  The  greatest  and  best  of 
men  in  all  ages  have  been  encouragers  and 
promotors  of  the  Art,  and  have  never  deemed 
it  derogatory  from  their  dignity  to  level 
themselves  with  the  Fraternity,  extend  their 
privileges,  and  patronize  their  assemblies. 

There  are  three  great  duties,  which,  as  a 
Mason,  you  are  charged  to  inculcate,— to 
God,  your  neighbor  and  yourself.  To  God, 
in  never  mentioning  His  name,  but  with  that 
reverential  awe  which  is  due  from  a  creature 


52  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

to  his  Creator  ;  to  implore  His  aid  in  all  your 
'laudable  undertakings,  and  to  esteem  Him  as 
the  chief  good  ;  to  your  neighbor,  in  acting 
upon  the  square,  and  doing  unto  him  as  you 
wish  he  should  do  unto  you  ;  and  to  yourself, 
in  avoiding  all  irregularity  and  intemperance, 
which  may  impair  your  faculties,  or  debase 
the  dignity  of  your  profession.  A  zealous 
attachment  to  these  duties  will  ensure  public 
and  private  esteem. 

In  the  State,  you  are  to  be  a  quiet  and 
peaceful  subject,  true  to  your  government, 
and  just  to  your  country ;  you  are  not  to 
countenance  disloyalty  or  rebellion,  but 
patiently  submit  to  legal  authority,  and  con- 
form with  cheerfulness  to  the  government  of 
the  country  in  which  you  live. 

In  your  outward  demeanor  be  particularly 
careful  to  avoid  censure  or  reproach.  Let  not 
interest,  favor,  or  prejudice,  bias  your  integ- 
rity, or  influence  you  to  be  guilty  of  a  dis- 
honorable action.  ,  Although  your  frequent 
appearance  at  our  regular  meetings  is  earn- 
estly   solicited,  yet    it    is    not    meant   that 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE.  5} 

Masonry  should  interfere  with  your  necessary 
vocations,  for  these  are  on  no  account  to  be 
neglected  ;  neither  are  you  to  suffer  your  zeal 
for  the  institution  to  lead  you  into  argument 
with  those  who,  through  ignorance,  may 
ridicule  it.  At  your  leisure  hours,  that  you 
may  improve  in  Masonic  knowledge,  you  are 
to  converse  with  well  informed  brethren,  who 
will  be  always  as  ready  to  give,  as  you  will 
be  ready  to  receive  instruction. 

Finally,  keep  sacred  and  inviolable  the 
mysteries  of  the  Order,  as  these  are  to  dis- 
tinguish you  from  the  rest  of  the  community, 
and  mark  your  consequence  among  Masons. 
If,  in  the  circle  of  your  acquaintance,  you 
fmd  a  person  desirous  of  being  initiated  into 
Masonry,  be  particularly  attentive  not  to 
recommend  him,  unless  you  are  convinced  he 
will  conform  to  our  rules ;  that  the  honor, 
glory  and  reputation  of  the  Institution  may 
be  firmly  established,  and  the  world  at  large 
convinced  of  its  good  effects. 


THE    DEGREE    OF  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

FIRST    SECTION. 

SCRIPTURAL     RECITATION. 
Amos  vii,  7-8. 

*  Thus  he  shewed  me  : 

*  And,  behold,  the  Lord  stood  upon  a 
wall  made  by  a  plumb-line,  with  a  plumb-line 
in  his  hand. 

*  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me, 

*  *     Amos,  what  seest  thou  ? 

*  *  And  I  said,  A  plumb-line.  Then  said 
the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  set  a  plumb-line  in 
the  midst  of  my  people  Israel : 

*  *  I  will  not  again  pass  by  them  any 
more. 

*******  *         * 

WORKING    TOOLS. 

The  Working  Tools  of  a  Fellow  Craft  are 
the  PLUMB,  SQUARE  and  LEVEL. 


FELLOW  CRAFT.  55 

The  Plumb  is  an  instrument  made  use  of 
by  operative  Masons,  to  raise  perpendicu- 
lars ;  the  Square,  to  square  their  work,  and 
the  Level,  to  lay  horizontals  ;  but  we,  as  Free 
and  Accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to  make 
use  of  them  for  more  noble  and  glorious  pur- 
poses;  the  Plumb  admonishes  us  to  walk  up- 
rightly in  our  several  stations  before  God 
and  man,  squaring  our  actions  by  the  Square 
of  Virtue,  and  remembering  that  we  are  trav- 
eling upon  the  Level  of  Time,  to  ''that  un- 
discovered country,  from  whose  bourne  no 
traveler  returns." 

[The  following  clause  on  the  use  of  the 
Working  Tools  may  be  added:] 

The  Plumb  is  an  emblem  of  a  fair  and  hon- 
orable life,  and  cautions  us  against  any  de- 
viation from  an  upright  conduct  in  all  our 
transactions,  whether  public  or  private,  keep- 
ing steadily  in  view  that  course  of  conduct, 
which  will  lead  us  to  the  heavenly  mansions 
of  eternal  rest.  The  Square  is  an  emblem  of 
morality,  and  instructs  in  the  golden  maxim, 


56  FELLOW   CRAFT. 

"do  unto  others  as  you  would  that  others 
should  do  unto  you."  The  Level  serves  as  a 
memento  that  we  are  equally  subject  to 
diseases,  to  accidents  and  various  afflictions; 
that  we  are  equally  under  the  protection  and 
care  of  the  Great  Parent  of  all ;  and  that  we 
are  equally  doomed  to  die,  to  be  leveled  with 
the  dust,  and  to  corrupt. 


SECOND  SECTION. 


OPERATIVE    MASONRY. 

By  OPERATIVE  MASONRY  we  allude  to  a 
proper  application  of  the  useful  rules  of 
architecture,  whence  a  structure  will  derive 
figure,  strength  and  beauty,  and  whence  will 
result  a  due  proportion,  and  a  just  corres- 
spondence  in  all  its  parts.  It  furnishes  us 
with  dwellings,  and  convenient  shelters  from 
the  vicissitudes  and  inclemencies  of  seasons  ; 
and  while  it  displays  the  effects  of  human 
wisdom,  as  well  in  the  choice,  as  in  the  ar- 


FELLOW  CRAFT.  ^t 

rangement,  of  the  sundry  materials  of  which 
an  edifice  is  composed,  it  demonstrates  that  a 
fund  of  science  and  industry  is  implanted  in 
man  for  the  best,  most  salutary  and  benefi- 
cent purposes. 

SPECULATIVE  MASONRY. 

By  SPECULATIVE  MASONRY  we  learn  to 
subdue  the  passions,  act  upon  the  square, 
keep  a  tongue  of  good  report,  maintain  se- 
crecy, and  practice  charity.  It  is  so  far  inter- 
woven with  religion  as  to  lay  us  under^obliga-. 
tions  to  pay  that  rational  homage  to  Deity, 
which  at  once  constitutes  our  duty  and  our 
happhiess.  It  leads  the  contemplative  to  view 
with  reverence  and  admiration  the  glorious 
works  of  the  creation,  and  inspires  him  with 
the  most  exalted  ideas  of  the  perfections  of 
his  Divine  Creator. 
******         *         ** 

*  *  *  Because  in  six  days  God  created 
the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and  rested  upon  the 
seventh  day  ;  the  seventh,  therefore,  our  an- 
cient brethren  consecrated  as  a  day  of  rest  from 

—  5 


58  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

their  labors,  thereby   enjoying  frequent  op- 
portunities to  contemplate  the  glorious  works 
of  the  creation,   and  to    adore  their  Great 
Creator. 
*******         *         * 

OF  THE   GLOBES. 

The  Globes  are  two  artificial  spherical 
bodies,  on  the  convex  surface  of  which  are 
represented  the  countries,  seas,  and  various 
parts  of  the  earth,  the  face  of  the  heavens, 
the  planetary  revolutions,  and  other  par- 
ticulars. 

The  Sphere  with  the  parts  of  the  earth 
delineated  on  its  surface,  is  called  the  TER- 
RESTRIAL Globe  ;  and  that  with  the  con- 
stellations, and  other  heavenly  bodies,  the 

Celestial  Globe. 

THE   USE   OF  THE   GLOBES. 

.Their  principal  use,  besides  serving  as 
maps  to  distinguish  the  outward  parts  of  the 
earth,  and  the  situation  of  the  fixed  stars,  is 
to  illustrate  and  explain  the  phenomena 
arising  from  the  annual  revolution,  and  the 


FELLOW  CRAFT.  55 

diurnal  rotation  of  tiie  earth  round  its  own 
axis.  Tiiey  are  the  noblest  instruments  for 
improving  the  mind,  and  giving  it  the  most 
distinct  idea  of  any  problem  or  proposition, 
as  well  as  enabling  it  to  solve  the  same. 
Contemplating  these  bodies,  we  are  inspired 
with  a  due  reverence  for  the  Deity  and  His 
works,  and  are  induced  to  encourage  the 
studies  of  astronomy,  geography,  navigation, 
and  the  arts  dependent  on  them,  by  which 
society  has  been  so  much  benefited. 

OF   ORDER   IN   ARCHITECTURE. 

By  Order  in  Architecture  is  meant  a  system 
of  all  the  members,  proportions  and  orna- 
ments of  columns  and  pilasters  ;  or,  it  is  a 
regular  arrangement  of  the  projecting  parts 
of  a  building,  which,  united  with  those  of  a 
column,  form  a  beautiful,  perfect  and  com- 
plete whole. 

OF   ITS  ANTIQUITY. 

From  the  first  formation  of  society,  Order 
in   Architecture   may  be  traced.     When  the 


6o  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

rigor  of  seasons  obliged  men  to  contrive 
shelter  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather, 
we  learn  that  they  first  planted  trees  on  end, 
and  then  laid  others  across,  to  support  a  cover- 
ing. The  bands  which  connected  those  trees 
at  top  and  bottom,  are  said  to  have  given  rise 
to  the  idea  of  the  base  and  capital  of  pillars  ; 
and  from  this  simple  hint  originally  proceeded 
the  more  improved  Art  of  Architecture. 

The  Five  Orders   are  thus  classed :   the 

Tuscan,  Doric,  Ionic,  Corinthian, 
and  Composite. 

[The  description  of  the  Five  Orders  is  here 
given  in  accordance  with  the  text  of  Webb's 
Freemason's  Monitor,  edition  of  1816,  but  it 
is  recommended  that  the  same  be  omitted, 
and  to  proceed  directly  to  the  clause  entitled  : 
' '  Of  the  I  n vention  of  Order  in  Architecture. ' ' ] 

The  Tuscan,  is  the  most  simple  and  solid 
of  the  five  orders.  It  was  invented  in  Tus- 
cany, whence  it  derives  it  name.  Its  column 
is  seven  diameters  high  ;  and  its  capital,  base 
and  entablature  have  but  few  mouldings.  The 
simplicity  of  the  construction  of  this  column 


FELLOW  CRAFT.  6i 

renders  it  eligible  where  ornament  would  be 
superfluous. 

The  Doric,  which  is  plain  and  natural,  is 
the  most  ancient,  and  was  invented  by  the 
Greeks.  Its  column  is  eight  diameters  high, 
and  has  seldom  any  ornaments  on  base  or 
capital,  except  mouldings — though  the  frieze 
is  distinguished  by  triglyphs  and  metopes, 
and  triglyphs  compose  the  ornaments  of  the 
frieze.  The  solid  composition  of  this  order 
gives  it  a  preference  in  structures  where 
strength  and  a  noble  simplicity  are  chiefly 
required. 

The  Doric  is  the  best  proportioned  of  all 
the  orders.  The  several  parts  of  which  it  is 
composed  are  founded  on  the  natural  position 
of  solid  bodies.  In  its  first  invention  it  was 
more  simple  than  in  its  present  state.  In 
after  times,  when  it  began  to  be  adorned,,  it 
gained  the  name  of  Doric  ;  for  when  it  was 
constructed  in  its  primitive  and  simple  fcrm, 
the  name  of  Tuscan  was  conferred  on  it. 
Hence  the  Tuscan  precedes  the  Doric  in  rank. 


6a  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

on  account  of  its  resemblance  to  that  pillar  in 
its  original  state. 

The  Ionic  bears  a  kind  of  mean  proportion 
between  the  more  solid  and  delicate  orders. 
Its  column  is  nine  diameters  high  ;  its  capital 
is  adorned  with  volutes,  and  its  cornice  has 
dentals.  There  is  both  delicacy  and  ingenuity 
displayed  in  this  pillar,  the  invention  of 
which  is  attributed  to  the  lonians,  as  the 
famous  Temple  of  Diana  at  Ephesus  was  of 
this  order.  It  is  said  to  have  been  formed 
after  the  model  of  an  agreeable  young 
woman,  of  an  elegant  shape,  dressed  in  her 
hair — as  a  contrast  to  the  Doric  order, 
which  was  formed  after  that  of  a  strong, 
robust  man. 

The  Corinthian,  the  richest  of  the  five 
orders,  is  deemed  a  master-piece  of  art.  Its 
column  is  ten  diameters  Kigh,  and  its  capital 
is  adorned  with  two  rows  of  leaves  and  eight 
volutes,  which  sustain  the  abacus.  •  The 
frieze  is  ornamented  with  curious  devices 
the    cornice    with    dentals    and    modillions. 


FELLOW  CRAFT.  63 

This  order  is  used  in  stately  and  superb 
structures. 

OF  THE  INVENTION  OF  THIS  ORDER, 

It  was  invented  at  Corinth,  by  Calli- 
machus,  who  is  said  to  have  taken  the  hint 
of  the  capital  of  this  pillar  from  the  following 
remarkable  circumstance.  Accidentally  pass- 
ing by  the  tomb  of  a  young  lady,  he  perceived 
a  basket  of  toys,  covered  with  a  tile,  placed 
over  an  acanthus  root,  having  been  left  there 
by  her  nurse.  As  the  branches  grew  up  they 
encompassed  the  basket,  till,  arriving  at  the 
tile,  they  met  with  an  obstruction,  and  bent 
downwards.  Callimachus,  struck  with  the 
object,  set  about  imitating  the  figure;  the 
vase  of  the  capital  he  made  to  represent  the 
basket,  the  abacus  the  tile,  and  the  volutes 
the  bending  leaves. 

The  Composite  is  compounded  of  the  other 
orders,  and  was  contrived  by  the  Romans. 
Its  capital  has  the  two  rows  of  leaves  of  the 
Corinthian,  and  the  volutes  of   the  Ionic. 


64  FELLOW   CRAFT. 

Its  column  has  the  quarter-round  as  the  Tus- 
can and  Doric  order,  is  ten  diameters  high, 
and  its  cornice  has  dentals  or  simple  mo- 
dillions.  This  pillar  is  generally  found  in 
buildings  where  strength,  elegance  and  beauty 
are  displayed. 

OF  THE  INVENTION   OF   ORDER   IN   ARCHITECTURE. 

The  ancient  and  original  orders  of  archi- 
tecture revered  by  Masons,  are  no  more  than 
three,  the  Doric,  Ionic  and  Corinthian,  which 
were  invented  by  the  Greeks.  To  these,  the 
Romans  have  added  two  ;  the  Tuscan,  which 
they  made  plainer  than  the  Doric,  and  the 
Composite,  which  was  more  ornamental,  if 
not  more  beautiful,  than  the  Corinthian. 
The  first  three  orders  alone,  however,  show 
invention  and  particular  character,  and 
essentially  differ  from  each  other ;  the  two 
others  have  nothing  but  what  is  borrowed, 
and  differ  only  accidentally  ;  the  Tuscan  is 
the  Doric  in  its  earliest  state,  and  the  Com- 
posite is  the  Corinthian  enriched  with  the 
Ionic.     To  the  Greeks,  therefore,  and  not  to 


FELLOW   CRAFT.  65 

the  Romans,  we  are  indebted  for  what  is 
great,  judicious  and  distinct  in  architecture. 


THE   FIVE  SENSES  OF  HUMAN    NATURE. 

HEARING,   SEEING,   FEELING. 

SMELLING  AND  TASTING. 

[The  description  of  the  Five  Senses  is  here 
given  in  accordance  with  the  text  of  Webb's 
Freemason's  Monitor,  Edition  of  1816,  but  it 
is  recommended  that  the  Monitorial  descrip- 
tion be  omitted.] 

Hearing  is  that  sense  by  which  we  distin- 
guish sounds,  and  are  capable  of  enjoying  all 
the  agreeable  charms  of  music.  By  it  we  are 
enabled  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  society, 
and  reciprocally  to  communicate  to  each  other 
our  thoughts  and  intentions,  our  purposes 
and  desires  ;  while  thus  our  reason  is  capable 
of  exerting  its  utmost  power  and  energy. 

The  wise  and  beneficent  Author  of  Nature 
intended,  by  the  formation  of  this  sense,  that 
we  should  be  social  creatures,  and  receive  the 
greatest  and   most    important   part    of   our 


66  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

knowledge  by  the  information  of  others.  For 
these  purposes  we  are  endowed  with  hearing, 
that,  by  a  proper  exertion  of  our  rational 
powers,  our  happiness  may  be  complete. 

Seeing  is  that  sense  by  which  we  distin- 
guish objects,  and  in  an  instant  of  time, 
without  change  of  place  or  situation,  view 
armies  in  battle  array,  figures  of  the  most, 
stately  structures,  and  all  the  agreeable  va- 
riety displayed  in  the  landscape  of  nature. 
By  this  sense  we  find  our  way  in  the  path- 
less ocean,  traverse  the  globe  of  earth,  deter- 
mine its  figure  and  dimensions,  and  delineate 
any  region  or  quarter  of  it.  By  it  we  meas- 
ure the  planetary  orbs,  and  make  new  dis- 
coveries in  the  sphere  of  the  fixed  stars.  Nay, 
more,  by  it  we  perceive  the  tempers  and  dis- 
positions, the  passions  and  affections,  of  our 
fellow  creatures,  when  they  wish  most  to 
conceal  them  ;  so  that  though  the  tongue 
may  be  taught  to  lie  and  dissemble,  the 
countenance  would  display  the  hypocrisy 
to  the  discerning  eye.  In  fine,  the  rays 
of  light  which  administer  to  this  sense,  are 


FELLOW  CRAFT.  67 

the  most  astonishing  parts  o^  the  animated 
creation,  and  render  the  eye  a  peculiar  object 
of  admiration. 

Of  all  the  faculties,  sight  is  the  noblest. 
The  structure  of  the  eye,  and  its  appurten- 
ances, evinces  the  admirable  contrivance  of 
nature  for  performing  all  its  various  external 
and  internal  motions  ;  while  the  variety  dis- 
played in  the  eyes  of  different  animals,  suited 
to  their  several  ways  of  life,  clearly  demon- 
strates this  organ  to  be  the  masterpiece  of 
nature's  work. 

Feeling  is  that  sense  by  which  we  distin- 
guish the  different  qualities  of  bodies  ;  such 
as  heat  and  cold,  hardness  and  softness, 
roughness  and  smoothness,  figure,  solidity, 
motion  and  extension. 

Smelling  is  that  sense  by  which  we  dis- 
tinguish odors,  the  various  kinds  of  which 
convey  different  impressions  to  the  mind. 
Animal  and  vegetable  bodies,  and  indeed 
most  other  bodies,  while  exposed  to  the  air, 
continually  send  forth  effluvia  of  vast  subtilty, 
as  well  in  the  state  of  life  and  growth,  as  in 


68  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

the  sta;.e  of  fermentation  and  putrefaction. 
These  eifluvia,  being  drawn  into  the  nostrils 
along  with  the  air,  are  the  means  by  which 
all  bodies  are  smelled.  Hence  it  is  evident, 
that  there  is  a  manifest  appearance  of  design 
in  the  Great  Creator's  having  planted  the 
organ  of  smell  in  the  inside  of  that  canal, 
through  which  the  air  continually  passes  in 
respiration. 

Tasting- enables  us  to  make  a  proper  dis- 
tinction in  the  choice  of  our  food.  The  organ 
of  this  sense  guards  the  entrance  of  the 
alimentary  canal,  as  that  of  smelling  guards 
the  entrance  of  the  canal  for  respiration. 
From  the  situation  of  both  these  organs,  it  is 
plain  that  they  were  intended  by  nature  to 
distinguish  wholesome  food  from  that  which 
is  nauseous.  Everything  that  enters  into  the 
stomach  must  undergo  the  scrutiny  of  tasting, 
and  by  it  we  are  capable  of  discerning  the 
changes  which  the  same  body  undergoes  in 
the  different  compositions  of  art,  cookery, 
chemistry,  pharmacy,  &c. 


FELLOW  CRAFT.  69 

Smelling  and  tasting  are  inseparably  con- 
nected, and  it  is  by  the  unnatural  kind  of  life 
men  commonly  lead  in  society,  that  these 
senses  are  rendered  less  fit  to  perform  their 
natural  offices. 

On  the  mind  all  our  knowledge  must  de- 
pend ;  what,  therefore,  can  be  a  more  proper 
subject  for  the  investigation  of  Masons? 
By  anatomical  dissection  and  observation,  we 
become  acquainted  with  the  body  ;  but  it  is 
by  the  anatomy  of  the  mind  alone  we  discover 
its  powers  and  principles. 

To  sum  up  the  whole  of  this  transcendent 
measure  of  God's  bounty  to  man,  we  shall 
add,  that  memory,  imagination,  taste,  reason- 
ing, moral  perception,  and  all  the  active 
powers  of  the  soul,  present  a  vast  and  bound- 
less field  for  philosophical  disquisition,  which 
far  exceeds  human  inquiry,  and  are  peculiar 
mysteries,  known  only  to  nature  and  to 
nature's  God,  to  whom  we  and  all  are  in- 
debted for  creation,  preservation,  and  every 
blessing  we  enjoy. 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


The  first  three,  Hearing,  Seeing  and  Feel' 
ing,  are  most  revered  by  Masons,     *     *     * 


THE  SEVEN   LIBERAL  ARTS  AND    SCIENCES, 

GRAMMAR,  RHETORIC,  LOGIC,  ARITHMETIC. 

GEOMETRY, 

MUSIC  AND  ASTRONOMY. 

[The  description  of  the  Seven  Liberal  Arts 
and  Sciences  is  here  given  in  accordance  with 
the  text  of  Webb's  Freemason's  Monitor, 
edition  of  1816,  but  it  is  recommended  that 
the  same  be  omitted,  except  the  clauses  en- 
titled:  "Geometry"  and  ''Of  the  Advan- 
tages of  Geometry,"  following  which  give  the 
second  arrangement  of  the  Lecture  on  Music] 

Grammar  teaches  the  proper  arrangement 
of  words,  according  to  the  idiom  or  dialect  of 
any  particular  people  ;  and  that  excellency  of 
pronunciation  which  enables  us  to  speak  or 
write  a  language  with  accuracy,  agreeably  to 
reason  and  correct  usage. 

Rhetoric  teaches  us  to  speak  copiously  and 
fluently  on  any  subject,  not  merely  with 
propriety  alone,  but  with  all  the  advantages 


FELLOW  CRAFT.  71 

of  force  and  elegance  ;  wisely  contriving  to 
captiVate  the  hearer  by  strength  of  argument 
and  beauty  of  expression,  whether  it  be  to 
entreat  and  exhort,  to  admonish  or  applaud. 

Logic  teaches  us  to  guide  our  reason  dis- 
cretionally  in  the  general  knowledge  of 
things,  and  directs  our  inquiries  after  truth. 
It  consists  of  a  regular  train  of  argument, 
whence  we  infer,  deduce,  and  conclude,  ac- 
cording to  certain  premises  laid  down,  ad- 
mitted, or  granted  ;  and  in  it  are  employed  the 
faculties  of  conceiving,  judging,  reasoning 
and  disposing  ;  all  of  which  are  naturally  led 
on  from  one  gradation  to  another,  till  the 
point  in  question  is  finally  determined. 

Arithmetic  teaches  the  powers  and  proper- 
ties of  nuipbers,  which  is  variously  effected, 
by  letters,  tables,  figures  and  instruments. 
By  this  art,  reasons  and  demonstrations  are 
given  for  finding  out  any  certain  number, 
whose  relation  or  affinity  to  another  is  already 
known  or  discovered. 


n  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

GEOMETRY. 

Geometry,  or  the  Fifth  Science,    *     *  *  * 

Geometry  treats  of  the  powers  and  proper- 
ties of  magnitudes  in  general,  where  length, 
breadth  and  thickness  are  considered  ;  from  a 
foint  to  a  line,  from  a  line  to  a  super/ices, 
and  from  a  super/ices  to  a  solid. 

A  Point  is  a  dimensionless  figure,  or  an 
indivisible  part  of  space. 

A  Lijie  is  a  Point  continued,  and  a  figure 
of  one  capacity,  namely,  length. 

A  Superjices  is  a  figure  of  two  dimensions, 
namely,  length  and  breadth. 

A  ^c'/zV  is  a  figure  of  three  dimensions, 
namely,  length,  breadth  and  thickness. 

OF  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  GEOMETRY. 

By  this  science,  the  architect  is  enabled  to 
construct  his  plans,  and  execute  his  designs  ; 
the  general  to  arrange  his  soldiers ;  the  engi- 
neer to  mark  out  ground  for  encampments ; 
the  geographer  to  give  us  the  dimensions 
of  the  world,  and  all  things  therein  con- 
tained, to  delineate  the  extent  of  seas,  and 


FELLOW   CRAFT.  ,  73 

specify  the  divisions  of  empires,  kingdoms 
and  provinces  ;  by  it,  also,  the  astronomer  is 
enabled  to  make  his  observations,  and  to  fix 
the  duration  of  times  and  seasons,  years  and 
cycles.  In  fine.  Geometry  is  the  foundation 
of  architecture,  and  the  root  of  the  mathe- 
matics. 

Music  teaches  the  art  of  forming  concords, 
so  as  to  compose  delightful  harmony  by  a 
mathematical  and  proportional  arrangement 
of  acute,  grave  and  mixed  sounds.  This  art, 
by  a  series  of  experiments,  is  reduced  to  a 
demonstrative  science,  with  respect  to  tones, 
and  the  intervals  of  sound.  It  inquires  into 
the  nature  of  concords  and  discords,  and 
enables  us  to  find  out  the  proportion  between, 
them  by  numbers. 

Astronomy  is  that  divine  art,  by  which 
we  are  taught  to  read  the  wisdom,  strength 
and  beauty  of  the  Almighty  Creator  in  those 
sacred  pages,  the  celestial  hemisphere. 
Assisted  by  Astronomy,  we  can  observe  the 
motions,  measure  the  distances,  comprehend 
the  magnitudes  and  calculate  the  periods  and 
-6 


74  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

eclipses  of  the  heavenly  bodies.  By  it  we 
learn  the  use  of  the  globes,  the  system  of  the 
world,  and  the  preliminary  law  of  nature. 
While  we  are  employed  in  the  study  of  this 
science,  we  must  perceive  unparalleled  in- 
stances of  wisdom  and  goodness,  and,  through 
the  whole  creation,  trace  the  Glorious  Author 
by  His  works. 

MUSIC. 

[Note. — Second  Arrangement  of  Lecture 
on  Music,  the  use  of  which  is  recommended 
in  place  of  the  first.  This  Lecture  should  be 
given,  whenever  possible,  with  organ  ac- 
companiment. The  organist  should  com- 
mence playing  with  the  beginning  of  this 
Lecture,  using  soft  stop  combinations,  play- 
ing with  crescendo  and  diminuendo  effects, 
throughout  the  entire  Lecture,  yet  never  loud 
enough  to  interfere  with  the  voice  of  the 
speaker.-  At  the  word  :  "  War,"  the  speaker 
will  pause  while  the  organist  plays,  with  full 
organ,  the  strain  indicated  from  the  ''  Mar- 
seillaise"; then  the  soft  accompaniment  is 
resumed  while  the  speaker  continues  the 
Lecture  until  the  words:  "Home,  Sweet 
Home,"  when  there  is  another  pause,  while 
the  organist  softly  plays  the  strain  indicated 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


from  "  Home,  Sweet  Home  ".  As  the  speaker 
continues,  the  soft  accompaniment  is  re- 
sumed until  the  word :  "  Universe,"  when 
the  Lodge  is  called  up,  and  all  unite  in  sing- 
ing, with  full  organ  accompaniment,  "  Be 
Thou,  O  God,  exalted  high,"  etc.,  to  the 
tune:  ''Old  Hundred,"  as  indicated.  With 
the  display  of  a  little  taste  a  fme  effect  can  be 
produced.] 

Music  is  thatelevated  science  which  affects 
the  passions  by  sound.  There  are  few  who 
have  not  felt  its  charms,  and  acknowledged 
its  expressions  to  be  intelligible  to  the  heart. 
It  is  a  language  of  delightful  sensations,  far 
more  eloquent  than  words  ;  it  breathes  to  the 
ear  the  clearest  intimations  ;  it  touches  and 
gently  agitates  the  agreeable  and  sublime 
passions;  it  wraps  us  in  melancholy,  and 
elevates  us  in  joy  ;  it  dissolves  and  inflames  ; 
it  melts  us  in  tenderness,  and  excites  us  to 
war. 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


Air:  Marseillaise  Hymn. 
Full  Organ.  I 


•- \ \- 


The  martial  strains  of  national  airs  heard 
on  the  rough  edge  of  battle,  have  thrilled  the 
soldier's  heart,  causing  him  to  burn  with  an 
emulous  desire  to  lead  the  perilous  advance, 
and  animating  him  to  deeds  of  heroic  valor 
and  the  most  sublime  devotion;  amidst  the 
roar  of  cannon,  the  din  of  musketry,  and  the 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


carnage  of  battle,  he  sinks  to  the  dust; 
raising  himself  to  take  one  long,  last  look  of 
life,  he  hears  in  the  distance  that  plaintive 
strain,  "  Home,  Sweet  Home," 


air:  Home,  Sweet  Home. 


:t4 


-#T^- 


.V~^ 


rc;  r^ 


It  was  our  mother's  evening  hymn  that 
lulled  us  to  sleep  in  infancy  ;  and  the  mellow- 
ing tides  of  old   cathedral    airs,   vibrating 


8o 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


through  aisles  and  arches,  have  stilled  the 
ruffled  spirit,  and  sweeping  away  the  discord- 
ant passions  of  men,  have  borne  them  along 
its  resistless  current,  until  their  united  voices 
have  joined  in  sounding  aloud  the  chorus  of 
the  heaven-born  anthem,  "  Peace  on  earth, 
good  will  toward  men  ;"  but  it  never  sounds 
with  such  seraphic  harmony,  as  when  em- 
ployed in  singing  hymns  of  gratitude  to  the 
Creator  of  the  Universe. 


-    [Note.— Lodge 
singing:] 


called    up.     All    unite    in 


Tune  :  Old  Hundred.  L.  M 

4- 


I    ^     -6^  -^-  -6^ 

Be  Thou,  O    God,  ex  -  alt  -  ed  high 


mm 


sg 


FELLOW   CRAFT. 

-A L-^-l r^-J L 


8l 


I — =^n — I 1— 


i^s 


m 


And  as  Thy  glo  -  ry  fills      the    sky, 
-?$>-  -tr-  ■^-  — 


^     if:  l^/rs 


^^^^m^ 


-So    let     it      be    on    earth    dis-played, 


Till  Thou  art  here,  as  there,     o  -  beyed, 
I  -$i.  -^-  -*$!-     -•-  4  ^^^ 


1§^ 


-^-r-<?- 


^ 


i^^ 


[Note.— Lodge  is  seated.] 


:ti: 


n 


82  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

*  *  *  *  *,*  *  :ic  Xc 

OF  THE  MORAL  ADVANTAGES  OF  GEOMETRY.  , 

Geometry,  the  first  arid  noblest  of  sciences 
is  tlie  basis  on  which  the  superstructure  of 
Masonry  is  erected.  By  Geometry,  we  may 
curiously  trace  nature  through  her  various 
windings  to  her  most  concealed  recesses.  By 
it  we  discover  the  power,  the  wisdom  and  the 
goodness  of  the  Grand  Artificer  of  the  Uni- 
verse, and  view  with  delight  the  proportions 
which  connect  this  vast  machine.  By  it  we 
discover  how  the  planets  move  in  their  differ- 
ent orbits,  and  demonstrate  their  various 
revolutions.  By  it  we  account  for  the  return 
of  seasons,  and  the  variety  of  scenes  which 
each  season  displays  to  the  discerning  eye. 
Numberless  worlds  are  around  us,  all  framed 
by  the  same  Divine  Artist,  which  roll  through 
the  vast  expanse,  and  are  all  conducted  by 
the  same  unerring  law  of  nature. 

A  survey  of  nature,  and  the  observation  of 
her  beautiful  proportions,  first  determined 
man  to  imitate  the  divine   plan^  and  study 


FELLOW   CRAFT.  83 

symmetry  and  order.  This  gave  rise  to  socie- 
ties, and  birth  to  every  useful  art.  The 
architect  began  to  design,  and  the  plans 
which  he  laid  down,  being  improved  by  ex- 
perience and  time,  have  produced  works 
which  are  the  admiration  of  every  age. 

The  lapse  of  time,  the  ruthless  hand  of 
ignorance,  and  the  devastations  of  war,  have 
laid  waste  and  destroyed  many  valuable 
monuments  of  antiquity  on  which  the  utmost 
exertions  of  human  genius  have  been  em- 
ployed. Even  the  Temple  of  Solomon,  so 
spacious  and  magnificent,  and  constructed  by 
so  many  celebrated  artists,  escaped  not  the 
unsparing  ravages  of  barbarous  force.  Free- 
masonry, notwithstanding,  has  still  survived. 
The  Attentive  Ear  receives  the  sound  from 
the  Instructive  Tongue,  and  the  Mysteries  of 
Masonry  are  safely  lodged  in  the  repository 
otFaitliful  Breasts.  Tools  and  implements  of 
architecture  are  selected  by  the  Fraternity  to 
imprint  on.  the  memory  wise  and  serious 
truths  ;    and  thus,  through  a  succession  of 


FELLOW  CRAFT. 


ages,  are  transmitted  unimpaired  the  excellent 
tenets  of  our  institution. 


CHARGE    TO    THE    CANDIDATE. 

Brother— 

Being  advanced  to  the  Second  Degree  of 
Masonry,  we  congratulate  you  on  your  pre- 
ferment. The  internal,  and  not  the  external 
qualifications  of  a  man,  are  what  Masonry 
regards.  As  you  increase  in  knowledge,  you 
will  improve  in  social  intercourse. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  recapitulate  the  duties 
which,  as  a  Mason,  you  are  bound  to  dis- 
charge, or  enlarge  on  the  necessity  of  a  strict 
adherence  to  them,  as  your  own  experience 
must  have  established  their  value. 

Our  laws  and  regulations  you  are  strenu- 
ously to  support,  and  be  always  ready  to 
assist  in  seeing  them  duly  executed.  You 
are  not  to  palliate,  or  aggravate,  the  offenses 
of  your  brethren  ;  but,  in  the  decision  of  every 
trespass  against  our  rules,  you  are  to  judge 
with  candor,  admonish  with  friendship,  and 
reprehend  with  justice. 


FELLOW   CRAFT.  85 

The  study  of  the  Liberal  Arts,  that  valu- 
able branch  of  education,  which  tends  so 
effectually  to  polish  and  adorn  the  mind,  is 
earnestly  recommended  to  your  consideration  ; 
especially  the  Science  of  Geometry,  which  is 
established  as  the  basis  of  our  Art.  Geome- 
try, or  Masonry,  originally  synonymous 
terms,  being  of  a  divine  and  moral  nature,  is 
enriched  with  the  most  useful  knowledge ; 
Vvhile  it  proves  the  wonderful  properties  of 
nature,  it  demonstrates  the  more  important 
truths  of  morality. 

Your  past  behavior  and  regular  deportment 
have  merited  the  honor  which  we  have  now- 
conferred  ;  and  in  "your  new  character  it  is 
expected  that  you  will  conform  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  Order,  by  steadily  persevering  in 
the  practice  of  every  commendable  virtue. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  your  engagements  as 
a  Fellow  Craft,  and  to  these  duties  you  are 
bound  by  the  most  sacred  ties. 


THE   DEGREE   OF    MASTER    MASON. 

FIRST  SECTION. 

SCRIPTURAL  RECITATION. 
Ecclesiastes  xii,  1-7.  , 

*  Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days 
of  thy  youth,  while  the  evil  days  come  not, 

*  Nor  the  years  draw  nigh,  when  thou  shalt 
say,  I  have  no  pleasure  in  them;  While  the  sun, 
or  the  light,  or  the  moon,  or  the  stars,  be  not 
darkened,  nor  the  clouds  return  after  the  rain : 

*  In  the  day  when  the  keepers  of  the 
house  shall  tremble,  and  the  strong  men  shall 
bow  themselves, 

*  *  And  the  grinders  cease  because  they 
are  few,  and  those  that  look  out  of  the 
windows  be  darkened, 

*  *  And  the  doors  shall  be  shut  in  the 
streets,  when  the  sound  of  the  grinding  is  low, 
and  he  shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of  the  bird, 
and  all  the  daughters  of  musick  shall  be 
brought  low  ; 

*  *  Also  when  they  shall  be  afraid  of  that 
which  is  high,  and  fears  shall  be  in  the  way, 

86 


MASTER  MASOM  87 

*  *  *  And  the  almond  tree  shail  flourish, 
and  the  grasshopper  shall  be  a  burden,  and 
desire  shall  fail : 

*  *  *  Because  man  goeth  to  his  long 
home,  and  the  mourners  go  about  the  streets  : 
Or  ever  the  silver  cord  be  loosed,  or  the 
golden  bowl  be  broken,  or  the  pitcher  be 
brokea  at  the  fountain,  or  the  wheel  broken 
at  the  cistern. 

*  *  *  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the 
earth  as  it  was  :  and  the  spirit  shall  return 
unto  God  who  gave  it. 

WORKING  TOOLS. 

The  Working  Tools  of  a  Master  Mason  are 
all  the  implements  of  Masonry  indiscrim- 
inately, but  more  especially  the  TROWEL. 

The  Trowel  is  an  instrument  made  use  of 
by  operative  masons  to  spread  the  cement 
which  unites  a  building  into  one  common 
mass  ;  but  we,  as  Free  and  Accepted  Masons, 
are  ta'oght  to  make  use  of  it  for  the  more 
noble  and  glorious  purpose  of  spreading  the 
cement  of  Brotherly  Love  and  Affection  ;  that 


88  MASTER  A\ASON. 

cement  which  unites  us  into  one  sacred  band, 
or  society  of  friends  and  brothers,  among 
whom  no  contention  should  ever  exist,  but 
that  noble  contention,  or  rather  emulation,  of 
who  best  can  work,  or  best  agree. 

[The  following  clause  on  the  use  of  the 
Trowel  may  be  added  :] 

The  Trowel  teaches  that  nothing  can  be 
united  without  proper  cement,  and  that  the 
perfection  of  a  building  must  depend  on  the 
manner  in  which  the  materials  are  joined 
together.  Charity,  the  bond  of  perfection 
and  social  union,  must  connect  in  one, 
separate  interests,  so  that  like  the  radii  of  a 
circle,  which  extend  from  the  center  to  every 
part  of  the  circumference,  the  principle  of 
universal  benevolence  may  be  diffused  to 
every  member  of  the  community.  This  is  a 
further  spiritual  use  which  should  be  made  or 
the  Trowel,  by  Free  and  Accepted  Masons. 

SECOND  SECTION. 


fa 


MASTER  A\ASON. 

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MASTER  MASON. 


2  Mortals,  now  indulge  a  tear, 

For  Mortality  is  here  ! 
See  how  wide  her  trophies  wave 
O'er  the  slumbers  of  the  grave  ! 

3  Here  another  guest  we  bring  ; 

Seraphs  of  celestial  wing, 
To  our  fun'ral  altar  come, 
Waft  our  friend  and  brother  home. 

4  Lord  of  all !  below — above — 

Fill  our  hearts  with  truth  and  love ; 
When  dissolves  our  earthly  tie, 
Take  us  to  Thy  Lodge  on  high. 


MASTER   MASON. 


PRAYER  AT  RAISING  A  BROTHER  TO  THE  SUBLIME 
DEGREE  OF  A  MASTER  MASON. 

Thou,  O  God  !  knowest  our  down-sitting 
and  our  up-rising,  and  understandest  our 
tliougiits  afar  off.  Shield  and  defend  us  from 
the  evil  intentions  of  our  enemies,  and  support 
us  under  the  trials  and  afflictions  we  are 
destined  to  endure,  while  traveling  through 
thii,  v?.le  of  tears.  Man  that  is  born  of  a 
w-oman,  is  of  few  days  and  full  of  trouble. 
He  Cometh  forth  as  a  flower,  and  is  cut -down  ^ 
he  fleeth  also  as  a  shadow,  and  continueth 
not.  Seeing  his  days  are  determined,  the 
number  of  his  months  are  with  Thee  ;  Thou 
hast  appointed  his  bounds  that  he  cannot 
pass  ;  turn  from  him  that  he  may  rest,  till  he 
shall  accomplish  his  day.  For  there  is  hope 
of  a  tree,  if  it  be  cut  down,  that  it  will  sprout 
again,  and  that  the  tender  branch  thereof  will 
not  cease.  But  man  dieth  and  wasteth  away ; 
yea,  man  giveth  up  the  ghost,  and  where  is 
he  ?  As  the  waters  fail  from  the  sea,  and  the 
flood  decayeth  and  drieth  up,  so  man  lieth 

—  7 


92  MASTER  MASON. 

down,  and  riseth  not  up  till  the  heavens  shall 
be  no  more.  Yet,  O  Lord !  have  compassion 
on  the  children  of  Thy  creation,  administer 
them  comfort  in  time  of  trouble,  and  save 
them  with  an  everlasting  salvation.  Amen  1 
"•  Response:  So  mote  it  be ! 

[Or  the  following  prayer  may  be  used  :] 

O  Thou  great  and  glorious  Lord  God  !  who. 
canst  alone  defend  amidst  the  manifold 
dangers  which  beset  our  pathway  through 
life;  shield  and  defend  us  from  the  evil 
intentions  of  our  enemies,  and  support  us 
under  the  trials  and  afflictions  we  are  destined 
to  endure  while  traveling  through  this  vale 
of  tears.  And  O  God !  we  pray  that  Thou 
wouldst  raise  this  our  brother  from  his  fallen 
estate,  and  guide  him  evermore  in  an  upright 
walk  and  conversation.  May  the  'still  small 
voice  of  Thy  Spirit  whisper  in  his  ear  the 
words  of  wisdom ;  let  Thy  fatherly  hand 
ever  be  about  him,  and  do  Thou,  O  God ! 
direct  his  feet  in  the  paths  of  peace  ;  may  his 
breast  safely  keep  and  guard  the  trust  which 


MASTcn;  A\Ai>ON.  93 

friendship  there  reposes  ;  and  when  at  last  he 
shall  have  diligently  executed  in  the  rough 
quarries  of  earth  the  designs  which  Thou 
hast  inscribed  upon  his  trestle-board,  and 
shall  be  stricken  down  by  the  ruthless  setting- 
maul  of  Death,  may  he  be  raised  to  the  life 
eternal,  be  found  worthy  of  fellowship  with 
the  good,  and  in  the  Grand  Lodge  above  be 
permitted  to  see  Thee  face  to  face,  to  worship 
Thee  there  in  the  beauty  of  holiness  for  ever 
and  ever.  Amen  ! 
Response :  So  mote  it  be  ! 


The  Sacred  Volume  informs  us  that  David, 
King  of  Israel,  had  determined  to  erect  a 
magnificent  Temple  for  the  service  of  the 
Most  High  God,  and  for  that  purpose  had 
collected  materials  in  gold,  silver,  iron  and 
brass;  but  "the  word  of  the  Lord"  came 
unto  him,  saying,  "thou  hast  shed  blood 
abundantly,  and  hast  made  great  wars  ;  thou 
shalt  not  build  an  House  unto  My  Name, 
because  thou  hast  shed  much  blood  upon  the 


94  MASTER  MASON. 

earth  in  My  sight.  Behold,  a  son  shall  be 
born  to  thee,  who  shall  be  a  man  of  rest;  and 
I  will  give  him  rest  from  all  his  enemies  round 
about :  for  his  name  shall  be  Solomon,  and  ! 
will  give  peace  and  quietness  unto  Israel  in 
his  days.  He  shall  build  an  House  for  My 
Name ;  and  he  shall  be  My  Son,  and  I  will 
be  his  Father  ;  and  I  will  establish  the  throne 
of  his  kingdom  over  Israel  forever." 

David,  bowed  down  by  the  weight  of  years 
and  infirmities,  and  drawing  near  his  end, 
assembled  the  chiefs  of  his  people  and 
acquainted  them  with  his  design  to  have  built 
a  magnificent  repository  for  the  Ark  of  God, 
but  found  that  it  was  the  Divine  Will  that 
^ihis  great  work  should  be  accomplished  by 
jiis  son  Solomon.  He  desired  them  to  assist 
.'n  so  laudable  a  work,  and  directed  that  when 
it  should  be  completed,  that  the  Ark  should 
be  deposited  therein,  together  with  the  Holy 
Vessels.  David  died  soon  after  in  the  seven- 
tieth year  of  his  age,  having  reigned  seven' 
years  in  Hebron  over  the  house  of  Judah,  and 
thirty-three  over  all  Israel. 


MASTER  MASON.  95 

Solomon  ascended  the  throne  of  Israel 
amidst  the  acclamations  of  his  people,  and 
under  the  most  favorable  circumstances. 
Having  made  peace  with  his  enemies,  and 
firmly  settled  the  affairs  of  his  kingdom,  he 
determined  to  carry  into  execution  the 
important  work  of  erecting  the  Temple.  He 
commenced  it  in  the  fourth  year  of  his  reign, 
in  the  second  month,  and  that  he  might 
prosecute. the  work  with  greater  expedition, 
he  applied  to  Hiram,  King  of  Tyre,  the 
ancient  friend  and  ally  of  his  father,  to  furnish 
him  with  timber  in  abundance,  cedar  trees,  fir 
trees  and  algum  trees,  out  of  Lebanon,  and 
also  to  send  him  a  man  ''cunning  to  work  in 
gold,  and  in  silver,  and  in  brass,  and  in  iron, 
and  in  purple,  and  crimson,  and  blue,"  and 
that  could  "skill  to  grave  with  the  cunning 
men"  of  Judah  and  Jerusalem.  Hiram, 
King  of  Tyre,  cordially  responded,  not  only 
furnishing  the  cedar  and  cypress  of  Lebanon, 
•  but  he  also  sent  him  Hiram,  the  son  of  a 
widow  of  the  tribe  of  Napthali.  He  was  the 
most  skillful  and  accomplished  artist  of  his 


96  MASTER   MA:bON. 

age,  "to  work  in  gold,  and  in  silver,  in  brass, 
in  iron,  in  stone,  and  in  timber,  in  purple,  in 
blue,  and  in  fine  linen,  and  in  crimson  ;  also 
to  grave  any  manner  of  graving,  and  to  find 
out  every  device  which  should  be  put  to  him." 
From  his  designs  and  under  his  direction,  all 
the  rich  and  splendid  furniture  of  the  Temple, 
was  begun,  carried  on  and  finished.  So 
highly  was  this  distinguished  man  esteemed 
by  Solomon,  for  his  talents,  his  virtues  and 
unblemished  integrity,  that  he  appointed  him 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  principal  surveyor 
and  master  of  the  work. 
The  work  on  the  Temple  was  progressing. 


THIRD  SECTION. 

In  the  Third  Section  many  particulars 
relative  to  King  Solomon's  Temple  are  con- 
sidered. This  Section  also  illustrates  certain 
hieroglyphical  emblems,  and  inculcates  many 
useful  lessons  to  extend  knowledge  and 
promote  virtue. 


MASTER  MASON.      ,  97 

KING  SOLOMON'S  TEMPLE. 

This  magnificent  Temple,  which  Ion? 
challenged  the  admiration  of  the  world,  far 
exceeded  in  splendor  all  other  structures 
which  had  hitherto  been  erected.  It  was 
begun  in  the  month  of  April,  A.  M.  2992,  four 
hundred  and  eighty  years  after  the  Children  of 
Israel  came  out  of  Egypt,  and  was  finished  in 
October,  A.  M.  2999,  and  one  thousand  and  five 
years  before  Christ.  It  was  located  on  Mount 
Moriah,  near  the  place  where  Abraham  was 
about  to  offer  up  his  son  Isaac,  and  where 
Davia  met  and  appeased  the  Destroying 
Angel,  which  was  visible  over  the  threshing- 
floor  of  Oman,  the  Jebusite. 

The  construction  of  this  grand  edifice  was 
attended  with  two  remarkable  circumstances. 
From  Josephus  we  learn  that  although  more 
than  seven  years  were  occupied  in  building  it, 
yet  during  the  whole  term  it  rained  not  in  the 
day-time,  that  the  workmen  might  not  be 
obstructed  in  their  labor;  and  from  sacred 
history  it  appears  that  there  was  neither  the 
sound  of  the  hammer,  nor  axe,  nor  any  tool 


98  MASTER   MASON. 

of    iron,   heard   in  the   house  while  it  was 
building. 

The  Temple  was  symbolically  supported  by 
three  Grand  Masonic  Pillars,  called  Wisdom, 
Strength  and  Beauty ;  so  called  because  it  is 
necessary  that  there  should  be  Wisdom  to 
contrive,  Strength  to  support,  and  Beauty  to 
adorn,  all  great  and  importai/t  undertakings. 
They  are  represented  by    *    *    ♦ 

This  famous  fabric  was  supported  by 
fourteen  hundred  and  fifty-three  columns, 
and  two, thousand  nine  hundred  and  six 
pilasters,  all  hewn  from  the  fmest  Parian 
marble. 

There  were  employed  in  building  the  Temple, 
three  Grand  Masters,  three  thousand  three 
hundred  Masters,  or  Overseers  of  the  Work, 
eighty  thousand  Fellow-Crafts  in  the  Moun- 
tains and  in  the  quarries,  and  seventy- 
thousand  Entered  Apprentices,  or  bearers  of 
burdens.  All  these  were  classed  and  arranged 
in  such  a  manner  by  the  wisdom  of  Solomon, 
that  neither  envy,  discord  nor  confusion, 
were  suffered  to  interrupt  that  universal  peace 


MASTER  MASON.  99 

and  tranquility  which  pervaded  the  world  at 
this  important  period. 


[The  following  descriptive  Lecture  on  The 
Temple  may  be  used  :] 

The  preparations  for  this  Temple  were 
immense.  There  were  employed  in  it  vast 
quantities  of  gold,  and  silver,  and  precious 
stones.  Everything  was  made  ready  before 
it  came  to  the  spot,  that  nothing  was  to  do 
but  join  the  materials.  The  top  of  Mount 
Moriah,  on  which  it  was  erected,  was  inclosed 
with  a  wall.  Into  this  there  was  an  entrance 
on  every  side.  Into  this  outer  Court,  every 
clean  Hebrew,  or  proselyte  of  the  covenant, 
might  enter.  In  the  middle  of  the  outer 
Court  but  nearer  to  the  west  end,  there  was  a 
Court  of  the  Levites,  stretching  from  east  to 
west,  and  surrounded  by  a  low  wall,  of 
about  four  feet  high,  that  the  people  might, 
over  the  top  of  it,  see  what  was  doing  by  the 
priests.  This  Court  had  two  entrances,  one 
on  the  north  side,  the  other  on  the  south.     In 


joo  MASTER  MASON. 

this  Court,  just  before  the  east  end  of  the 
Temple,  stood  the  brazen  altar,  and  the  brazen 
sea  and  lavers.  The  Temple,  properly  so-calledj 
stood  from  east  to  west,  near  the  west  end 
of  the  Court  of  the  Priests.  On  each  side 
of  its  entrance,  at  the  Porch  of  the  Temple, 
stood  the  two  celebrated  Pillars  of  brass ; 
they  were  regarded  as  a  striking  memento  of 
the  promise  of  God,  that  he  would  establish 
the  throne  of  David,  and  make  the  nation  of 
Israel  strong  in  His  might.  Passing  through 
this  Porch  you  entered  the  Sanctuary,  or  Holy 
Place,  at  the  west  end  of  which  stood  the 
golden  candlesticks,  on  the  south  side,  and  on 
the  north,  the  ten  golden  tables,  containing 
the  loaves  of  shew-bread  and  the  innumerable 
golden  vessels  for  the  service  of  the  sanctuary, 
and  in  the  middle  between  them  stood  the 
golden  altar  of  incense.  Passing  through  the 
Sanctuary  lengthwise,  you  entered  by  a  'fine 
veil  and  a  two-leaved  door  of  olive-tree,  into 
the  Oracle,  or  Most  Holy  Place,  into  which 
the  High  Priest  only  might  enter,  and  that 
only  once  each  year  on  the  Day  of  Atonement. 


.WASTER  .MASON.  loi 

In  the  Most  Holy  Place  stood  the  Ark  with 
its  furniture ;  and  Solomon  made  two  new 
cherubim  of  olive-tree,  which  overshadowed 
the  two  golden  ones  and  stretched  their  wings 
tlie  whole  breadth  of  the  House.  The  wall  of 
the  House  was  reared  with  alternate  layers  of 
fine  cedar  wood  and  hewn  marble ;  the  inside 
was  carved  with  figures  of  cherubim  and  palm 
trees,  and  the  whole  inside,  floor,  walls  and 
roof,  was  overlaid  with  gold,  and  set  with 
innumerable  diamonds  and  precious  stones. 
In  the  erection  of  this  superb  edifice,  we 
perceive  not  only  the  piety,  but  the  wisdom  of 
Solomon.  The  arts  had  reached  their  highest 
state  of  perfection,  and  every  species  of 
knowledge  peculiar  to  -Freemasonry  was 
lavished  upon  it. 

About  eleven  months  after  the  building  was 
finished,  and  just  before  the  Feast  of  the 
Tabernacles,  this  Temple  was  furnished  with 
the  Ark  and  other  sacred  utensils,  and  it  was 
dedicated  with  solemn  prayer  by  Solomon, 
and  by  seven  days'  sacred  feasting,  and  by  a 
peace  offering  of  twenty  thousand  oxen  and 


I02  MASTER  MASON. 

one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  sheep. 
Nothing  ever  equaled  the  splendor  of  its 
consecration.  Israel  sent  forth  her  thousands, 
and  the  assembled  people  beheld,  in  awful 
adoration,  the  vast  sacrifice  of  Solomon 
accepted.  The  flame  descended  upon  the 
altar,  and  consumed  t)ie  offering  ;  the  shadow 
and  glory  of  the  Eternal  proclaimed  his 
presence  between  the  Cherubim,  and  the  voice 
of  His  thunders  told  to  the  faithful  of  the 
Craft  that  the  perfectness  of  their  labor  was 
approved. 

THE  THREE   STEPS. 

The  Three  Steps  usually  delineated  upon 
the  Master's  Carpet,  are  emblematical  of  the 
three  principal  stages  of  human  life — Youth, 
Manhood  and  Age.  In  Youth,  as  Entered 
Apprentices,  we  ought  industriously  to  occupy 
our  minds  in  the  attainment  of  useful  knowl- 
edge; in  Manhood,  as  Fellow  Crafts,  we 
should  apply  our  knowledge  to  the  discharge 
of  our  respective  duties  to  God,  our  neighbors 
and  ourselves ;  that  so  in  Age,  as  Master 
Ma'sons,  we  may  enjoy  the  happy  reflections 


MASTER  MASON.  103 

consequent  on  a  well-spent  life,  and  die  in  the 
hope  of  a  glorious  immortality. 

MASONIC    EA\BLEMS. 
****  *  **** 

The  Pot  of  Incense  is  an  emblem  of  a  pure 
heart,  which  is  always  an  acceptable  sacrifice 
to  the  Deity  ;  and,  as  this  glows  with  fervent 
heat,  so  should  our  hearts  continually  glow 
with  gratitude,  to  the  great  and  beneficent 
Author  of  our  existence,  for  the  manifold 
blessings  and  comforts  we  enjoy. 

The  Bee-Hive  is  an  emblem  of  industry, 
and  recommends  the  practice  of  that  virtue  to 
all  created  beings,  from  the  highest  seraph  in 
heaven  to  the  lowest  reptile  of  the  dust.  It 
teaches  us,  that  as  we  came  into  the  world 
rational  and  intelligent  beings,  so  we  should 
ever  be  industrious  ones  ;  never  sitting  down 
contented  while  our  fellow-creatures  around 
us  are  in  want,  when  it  is  in  our  power  to 
relieve  them,  without  inconvenience  to  our- 
selves. 

When  w^e  take  a  survey  of  nature,  we  view 
man,    in    his    infancy,    more    helpless    and 


I04  MASTER  A\ASON. 

indigent  tlian  the  brute  creation ;  he  lies 
languishing  for  days,  months  and  years, 
totally  incapable  of  providing  sustenance  for 
himself,  of  guarding  against  the  attack  of 
the  wild  beasts  of  the  field,  or  sheltering  him- 
self from  the  inclemencies  of  the  weather. 

It  might  have  pleased  the  Great  Creator  of 
heaven  and  earth  to  have  made  man  inde- 
pendent of  all  other  beings  ;  but,  as  dependence 
is  one  of  the  strongest  bonds  of  society, 
mankind  were  made  dependent  on  each  other 
for  protection  and  security,  as  they  thereby 
enjoy  better  opportunities  of  fulfilling  the 
duties  of  reciprocal  love  and  friendship.  Thus 
was  man  formed  for  social  and  active  life, 
the  noblest  part  of  the  work  of  God;  and  he 
that  will  so  demean  himself  as  not  to  be 
endeavoring  to  add  to  the  common  stock  of 
knowledge  and  understanding,  may  be 
deemed  a  drone  in  the  hive  of  nature,  a  use- 
less member  of  society,  and  unworthy  of  our 
protection  as  Masons. 

The  Book  of  Constitutions^  guarded  by 
the  Tyler's  Szvord,  reminds  us  that  we  should 


AUSTER  AUSON.  105 

be  ever  watchful  and  guarded  in  our  thoughts, 
words  and  actions,  particularly  when  before 
the  enemies  of  Masonry  ;  ever  bearing  in 
remembrance  those  truly  masonic  virtues, 
Silence  and  Circumspection. 

The  Sword,  pointing  to  a  Naked  Heart, 
demonstrates  that  justice  will  sooner  or  later 
overtake  us ;  and  although  our  thoughts, 
words  and  actions,  may  be  hidden  from  the 
eyes  of  man,  yet  that 

All-seei7ig  Eye, 
whom  the  Sun,  Moon  and  Stars  obey,  and 
under  whose  watchful  care  even  comets  per- 
form their  stupendous  revolutions,  pervades 
the  inmost  recesses  of  the  human  heart,  and 
will  reward  us  according  to  our  merits. 

The  Anchor  and  Ark  are  emblems  of  a 
well-grounded  Hope  and  a  well-spent  Life. 
They  are  emblematical  of  that  Divine  Ark 
which  safely  wafts  us  over  this  tempestuous 
sea  of  troubles,  and  that  Anchor  which  shall 
safely  moor  us  in  a  peaceful  harbor,  where 
the  wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  the 
weary  shall  find  rest. 


rob  MASTER  MASON. 

T/ie  Forty-seventh  Problem  of  Euclidt 
was  an  invention  of  our  ancient  friend  and 
brother,  the  great  Pythagoras,  who,  in  his 
travels  through  Asia,  Africa  and  Europe,  was 
initiated  into  several  orders  of  priesthood, 
and  raised  to  the  sublime  degree  of  a  Master 
Mason.  This  wise  philosopher  enriched  his 
mind  abundantly  in  a  general  knowledge  of 
tilings,  and  more  especially  in  Geometry,  or 
Masonr>^  On  this  subject  he  drew  out  many 
problems  and  theorems,  and  among  the  most 
distinguished,  he  erected  this,  which,  in  the 
joy  of  his  heart,  he  called  Eureka,  in  the 
Grecian  language  signifying,  "  I  have  found 
it,"  and  upon  the  discovery  of  which,  he  is 
said  to  have  sacrificed  a  hecatomb.  It  teaches 
Masons  to  be  general  lovers  of  the  arts  and 
sciences. 

The  Hour-Glass  is  an  emblem  of  human 
life.  Behold !  how  swiftly  the  sands  run, 
and  how  rapidly  our  lives  are  drawing  to  a 
close.  We  cannot,  without  astonishment, 
behold  the  little  particles  which  are  contained 
in  this  machine — how  they  pass  away  almost 


MASTER    WASON.  107 

imperceptibly,  and  yet,  to  our  surprise,  in  the 
short  space  of  an  hour,  they  are  all  exhausted. 
Thus  wastes  man  !  To-day,  he  puts  forth 
the  tender  leaves  of  hope ;  to-morrow,  blos- 
soms, and  bears  his  blushing  honors  thick 
upon  him  ;  the  next  day  comes  a  frost,  which 
nips  the  shoot,  and  when  he  thinks  his 
greatness  is  still  aspiring,  he  falls,  like 
autumn  leaves,  to  enrich  our  mother  earth. 

The  Scythe  is  an  emblem  of  Time,  which 
cuts  the  brittle  thread  of  life,  and  launches  us 
intC'  eternity.  Behold !  what  havoc  the 
Scythe  of  Time  makes  among  the  human 
race  ;  if  by  chance  we  should  escape  the 
numerous  evils  incident  to  childhood  and 
youth,  and  with  health  and  vigor  arrive  to 
the  years  of  manhood,  yet  withal  \\e  must 
soon  be  cut  down  by  the  all-devouring  Scythe 
of  Time,  and  be  gathered  into  the  land  where 
our  fathers  have  gone  before  us. 


Thus    we    close    the    explanation    of   the 
emblems  upon  the  solemn  thought  of  death. 


-8 


Io8  MASTER  AiASON. 

which,  without  revelation,  is  dark  and  gloomy; 
but  we  are  suddenly  revived  by  the  ever- 
green and  ever-living  sprig  of  Faith,  which 
strengthens  us,  with  confidence  and  com- 
posure, to  look  forward  to  a  blessed  immor- 
tality ;  and  we  doubt  not,  that  on  the  glorious 
morn  of  the  Resurrection,  our  bodies  will 
rise,  and  become  as  incorruptible  as  our  souls. 

[See  note  following.] 

Then  let  us  imitate  *  *  *  *  *  in  his 
virtuous  and  amiable  conduct;  in  his  un- 
feigned piety  to  God  ;  in  his  inflexible  fidelity 
to  his  trust ;  that  we  may  welcome  the  grim 
tyrant,  Death,  and  receive  him  as  a  kind 
messenger  sent  from  our  Supreme  Grand 
Master  to  translate  us  from  this  imperfect  to 
that  all-perfect,  glorious  and  celestial  Lodge 
above,  where  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the 
Universe  presides. 

[Note— In  place  of  the  last  clause  the  fol- 
lowing may  be  used.  When  the  lecture  on 
"  Masonic  Symbolism  "  is  used,  this  should 
be  omitted.] 


MASTER  .MASON.  log 

Now,  brethren,  let  us  see  to  it,  and  so 
regulate  our  lives  by  the  Plumb-line  of  Justice, 
squaring  our  actions  by  the  Square  of  Virtue, 
that  when  the  Grand  Warden  of  Heaven 
shall  call  for  us  we  may  be  found  ready.  Let 
us  cultivate  assiduously  the  noble  tenets  of 
our  profession,  Brotherly  Love,  Relief  and 
Truth,  and  from  the  Square  learn  Morality, 
from  the  Level,  Equality,  and  from  the  Plumb, 
Rectitude  of  Life.  Let  us  imitate  our  *  * 
*  *  in  his  amiable  and  virtuous  conduct, 
his  unfeigned  piety  to  God,  and  his  inflexible' 
fidelity  to  his  trust.  As  the  *  *  *  which 
bloomed  at  the  *  *  *  *  ^  betrayed 
the  place  of  *  ,  so  may  virtue,  by  its  ever- 
blooming  loveliness,  designate  us  as  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons.-  With  the  mystic  Trowel 
let  us  spread  liberally  the  cement  of  brotherly 
love  and  affection  ;  circumscribed  by  the  Com- 
passes, let  us  ponder  well  all  our  thoughts, 
words  and  actions  ;  let  all  the  energies  of  our 
minds,  and  the  affections  of  our  souls  be 
employed  in  the  attainment  of  our  Supreme 
Grand  Master's  approbation  ;  that  when  the 


no  MASTER  MASON. 

hour  of  our  dissolution  draws  nigh,  and  the 
cold  winds  of  Death  come  sighing  around  us, 
and  his  chill  dew  already  glistens  on  our 
foreheads,  we  may  with  joy  obey  the  sum- 
mons of  the  Grand  Warden  of  Heaven,  and 
go  from  our  labors  here  on  earth  to  everlast- 
ing refreshment  in  the  Paradise  of  God; 
where,  by  the  benefit  of  a  pass,  of  a  pure  life, 
and  a  firm  reliance  on  Divine  Providence, 
shall  we  gain  a  ready  admission  into  that 
Celestial  Lodge  above,  where  the  Supreme 
•i^rchitect  of  the  Universe  presides ; -where, 
seated  at  the  right  hand  of  our  Supreme 
Grand  Master,  He  will  be  pleased  to  pro- 
nounce us  just  and  upright  Masons.  Then 
shall  we  indeed  be  fitly  prepared,  as  living 
stones,  for  that  Spiritual  Building,  that 
"  house  not  made  with  hands,"  eternal  in  the 
heavens ;  where  no  discordant  voice  shall  be 
heard,  but  all  the  soul  shall  experience  shall 
be  perfect  bliss,  and  all  it  shall  express  shall 
be  perfect  praise,  and  love  divine  shall  ennoble 
every  heart,  and  hosannas  exalted  employ 
every  tongue. 


ftVASTER  A\ASON.  ill 

A\ASONIG   SYMBOLISM. 

[Arranged  from  Mackey's  work:  "The 
Symbolism  of  Freemasonry."] 

[Note.— With  the  hope  that  this  beautiful 
Lecture  may  encourage  more  of  the  Masonic 
candidates  to  become  Masonic  students,  its  use 
is  recommended,  should  the  time  permit.] 

J/y  Bi'other: — Among  the  many  beautiful 
and  appropriate  definitions  given  of  Free- 
masonry none  is  more  comprehensive  than 
the  one  to  be  found  in  the  English  lectures  : 
"Freemasonry  is  a  science  of  morality,  veil.  J 
in  allegory  and  illustrated  by  symbols." 
Freemasonry  presents  itself  most  prominently 
to  our  view  as  a  science  of  Symbolism.  In 
tracing  the  progress  of  Freemasonry,  we  shall 
fmd  it  so  intimately  connected  with  the  history 
of  philosophy,  of  religion,  and  of  art,  in  all  ages 
of  the  world,  that  it  is  evident  that  no  Mason 
can  expect  thoroughly  to  understand  the 
nature  of  the  institution,  or  to  appreciate  its 
character,  unless  he  shall  carefully  study  its 
annals,  and  make  himself  conversant  with 


112  MASTER  A\ASON. 

the  facts  of  history,  to  which  and  from  which 
it  gives  and  receives  a  mutual  influence.  The 
brother  who  unfortunately  supposes  that  the 
only  requisites  of  a  skillful  Mason  consist  in 
repeating  with  fluency  the  ordinary  lectures, 
or  in  correctly  opening  and  closing  the  Lodge, 
or  in  giving  with  sufficient  accuracy  the 
modes  of  recognition,  will  hardly  credit  the 
assertion,  that-  he  whose  knowledge  of  the 
"royal  art"  extends  no  farther  than  these 
preliminaries  has  scarcely  advanced  beyond 
the  rudiments  of  our  science. 

There  is  a  far  nobler  series  of  doctrines 
with  which  Freemasonry  is  connected,  and 
which  no  student  ever  began  to  investigatewho 
did  not  And  himself  insensibly  led  on,  from 
step  to  step  in  his  researches,  his  love  and 
admiration  of  the  order  increasing  with  the 
augmentation  of  his  acquaintance  with  its 
character.  It  is  this  which  constitutes  the 
science  and  the  philosophy  of  Freemasonry, 
and  it  is  this  alone  which  will  return  the 
scholar  who  devotes  himself  to  the  task  a 
sevenfold  reward  for  his  labor. 


A\ASTEK  AlASON.  113 

Freemasonry  is  a  science — a  phllosopliy — a 
system  of  doctrines  which  is  taught,  in  a 
manner  peculiar  to  itself,  by  allegories  and 
symbols.  Its  ceremonies  are  external  addi- 
tions, which  affect  not  its  substance.  If  we 
seek  the  origin  and  first  beginning  of  the 
Masonic  philosophy,  we  must  go  away  back 
into  the  ages  of  remote  antiquity,  when  we 
shall  fmd  this  beginning  in  the  bosom  of 
kindred  associations,  where  the  same  philoso- 
phy was  maintained  and  taught.  But  if  we 
confound  the  ceremonies  of  Masonry  with  the 
philosophy  of  Masonry,  and  seek  the  origin 
of  the  institution,  moulded  into  outward  form 
as  it  is  to-day,  we  can  scarcely  be  required  to 
look  farther  back  than  the  beginning  of  the 
eighteenth  century,  and  indeed,  not  quite  so 
far. 

The  philosophy  of  Freemasonry  is  engaged 
in  the  contemplation  of  the  divine  and  human 
character ;  of  GOD  as  one  eternal,  self- 
existent  being,  in  contradiction  to  the 
mythology  of  the  ancient  peoples,  which  was 
burdened    with   a  multitude    of    gods     and 


114  A\ASTER  MASON. 

goddesses,  of  demigods  and  heroes  ;  of  MAN 
as  an  immortal  being,  preparing  in  the  present 
life  for  an  eternal  future,  in  like  contradiction 
to  the  ancient  philosophy,  which  circum- 
scribed the  existence  of  man  to  the  present 
life. 

There  is  no  science  so  ancient  as  that  of 
Symbolism,  and  no  mode  of  instruction  has 
ever  been  so  general  as  was  the  symbolic  in 
former  ages.  Man's  earliest  instruction  was 
by  symbols.  The  objective  character  of  a 
symbol  is  best  calculated  to  be  grasped  by  the 
infant  mind,  whether  the  infancy  of  that 
mind  be  considered  nationally  or  individually. 
And  hence,  in  the  first  ages  of  the  world,  in 
its  infancy,  all  propositions,  theological, 
political  or  scientific,  were  expressed  in  the 
form  of  symbols. 

It  is  not  to  be  hoped,  in  the  short  space  of  a 
brief  lecture,  to  cover  the  ground  of  Masonic 
Symbolism, — a  subject  upon  which  volumes 
have  been  written,  and  eminent  and  learned 
men  of  various  ages  have  spent  years  of 
ripened  research,— but  if  the  entrance  to  the 


MASTER  MASON.  115 

mine  be  but  uncovered,  and  a  glimpse  of  the 
untold  treasures  be  but  obtained,  the  enquiring 
mind  will  necessarily  delve  for  itself  into  the 
riches,  and  the  object  of  this  lecture  will  be 
attained.  There  will  be  but  time  to  briefly 
glance  at  one  class  of  Masonic  symbols,  and 
try  to  read  a  few  lessons  from  the  language. 

Looking  then,  in  this  way,  at  the 
philosophy  of  the  institution, — coming  down 
to  us,  as  it  has,  from  a  remote  age, — having 
passed  unaltered  aud  unscathed  through  a 
thousand  revolutions  of  nations, — and  engag- 
ing, as  disciples  in  its  school  of  mental  labor, 
the  intellectual  of  all  times,— the  first  thing 
that  must  naturally  arrest  the  attention  is  the 
singular  combination  that  it  presents  of  an 
operative  with  a  speculative  organization — an 
art  with  a  science— the  technical  terms  and 
language  of  a  mechanical  profession  with  the 
abstruse  teachings  of  a  profound  philosophy. 

We  are  taught  that  Freemasonry  is  of  two 
kinds,  operative  and  speculative.  We  work, 
it  is  true,  in  speculative  Masonry  only,  but 
our  ancient  brethren  wrought  in  both  opera- 


Il6  MASTER   MASON 

tive  and  speculative.  Now,  the  operative  art 
having,  for  us,  ceased,  we,  as  speculative 
Masons,  symbolize  the  labors  of  our  predeces- 
sors by  engaging  in  the  construction  of  a 
spiritual  temple  in  our  hearts,  pure  and 
spotless,  fit  for  the  d.-velling  place  of  Him 
who  is  the  author  of  purity — where  God  is  to 
be  worshipped  in  spirit  and  in  truth,  and 
whence  every  evil  thought  and  unruly 
passion  is  to  be  banished,  as  the  sinner  and 
the  Gentile  were  excluded  from  the  sanctuary 
of  the  Jewish  Temple. 

To  construct  his  earthly  temple,  the 
operative  mason  followed  the  architectural 
designs  laid  down  on  the  Trestle  Board,  or 
tracing  board,  or  book  of  plans  of  the 
architect.  By  these  he  hewed  and  squared 
his  materials ;  by  these  he  raised  his  walls ; 
by  these  he  constructed  his  arches  ;  and  by 
these  strength  and  durability,  combined  with 
grace  and  beauty,  were  bestowed  upon  the 
edifice  which  he  was  constructing. 

The  Trestle  Board  becomes,  therefore,  one 
of  our  elementary  symbols.  For  in  the  Masonic 


AUSTER  MASON.  117 

ritual  the  speculative  Mason  is  reminded  that, 
as  the  operative  artist  erects  his  temporal 
building,  in  accordance  with  the  rules  and 
designs  laid  down  on  the  trestle  board  of  the 
Master  Workman,  so  should  he  erect  that 
spiritual  building,  of  which  the  material  is  a 
type,  in  obedience  to  the  rules  and  designs, 
the  precepts  and  commands,  laid  down  by  the 
Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe,  in  the 
Bible,  the  greatbook  of  nature  and  revelation, 
which  constitutes  the  spiritual  trestle  board  of 
every  Freemason. 

But  the  operative  mason  required  materials 
wherewith  to  construct  his  temple.  There 
was,  for  instance,  the  Rough  Ashlar— the 
stone  in  its  rude  and  natural  state— unformed 
and  unpolished,  as  it  had  been  lying  in  the 
quarries  of  Tyre  from  the  foundation  of  the 
earth.  This  stone  \^•as  to  be  hewed  and 
squared,  to  be  fitted  and  adjusted,  by  simple, 
but  appropriate  implements,  until  it  became 
the  Perfect  Ashlar,  or  well  finished  stone, 
ready  to  take  its  destined  place  in  the 
building. 


Il8  MASTER  MASON. 

Here,  then,  again,  in  these  materials  do  we 
find  other  elementary  symbols.  The  rough 
and  unpolished  stone  is  a  symbol  of  man's 
natural  state— ignorant  and  uncultivated; 
but  when  education  has  exerted  its  salutary 
influences  in  expanding  his  intellect,  in 
restraining  his  hitherto  unruly  passions,  and 
purifying  his  life,  he  is  then  represented  as 
the  Perfect  Ashlar,  or  finished  stone,  which, 
under  the  skillful  hands  of  the  workman,  has 
been  smoothed,  and  squared,  and  fitted  for 
its  appropriate  place  in  the  building. 

There  are  other  elementary  symb<:>ls ;  the 
three  described,  however, — the  rough  ashlar, 
the  perfect  ashlar,  and  the  trestle  board, — and 
which,  from  their  importance,  have  received 
the  name  of  ''jewels,"  will  be  sufficient  to 
give  some  idea  of  the  nature  of  what  may  be 
called  the  "symbolic  alphabet"  of  Masonry. 
Let  us  now  proceed  to  a  brief  consideration  of 
the  method  in  which  this  alphabet  of.  the 
science  is  applied  to  the  more  elevated  and 
abstruser  portions  of  the  system,  and  which, 
as  the  Temple  constitutes  its  most  important 


MASTER  MASON.  Iig 

type,  may  be  called  the  "Temple  Symbolism 
of  Masonry." 

Both  Scripture  and  tradition  inform  us  that, 
at  the  building  of  King  Solomon's  Temple, 
the  masons  were  divided  into  different  classes, 
each  engaged  in  different  tasks.  The  mode 
in  which  these  three  divisions  of  workmen 
labored  in  constructing  the  temple,  has 
been  beautifully  symbolized  in  speculative 
Masonry,  and  constitutes  an  important  and 
interesting  part  of  temple  symbolism. 

Thus  we  know,  from  our  own  experience 
among  modern  workmen,  who  still  pursue 
the  same  method,  as  well  as  from  the  tradi- 
tions of  the  Order,  that  the  implements  used 
in  the  quarries  were  few  and  simple,  the 
work  there  requiring  necessarily,  indeed,  but 
two  tools,  namely,  the  Twenty-four  Inch 
Gauge,  or  two  foot  rule,  and  the  Common 
Gavel,  or  stone-cutter's  hammer.  With  the 
former  implement,  the  operative  mason  took 
the  necessary  dimensions  of  the  stone  he  was 
about  to  prepare,  and  with  the  latter,  by 
repeated  blows,  skillfully  applied,  he  broke 


120  MASTER  MASON. 

off  every  unnecessary  protuberance,  and 
rendered  it  smooth  and  square,  and  fit  to  take 
its  place  in  tlie  building. 

And  thus,  in  the  first  degree  of  speculative 
Masonry,  the  Entered  Apprentice  receivej 
these  simple  implements,  as  the  emblematic 
working  tools  of  his  profession,  with  their 
appropriate  symbolical  instruction.  To  the 
operative  mason  their  mechanical  and  prac- 
tical use  alone  is  signified,  and  nothing  more 
of  value  does  their  presence  convey  to  his 
mind.  To  the  speculative  Mason  the  sight 
of  them  }s  suggestive  of  far  nobler  and 
sublimer  thoughts  ;  they  teach  him  to  meas- 
ure, not  stones,  but  time  ;  not  to  smooth  and 
polish  the  marble  for  the  builder's  use,  but 
to  purify  and  cleanse  his  heart  from  every 
vice  and  imperfection  that  would  render  it 
unfit  for  a  place  in  the  spiritual  temple  of  his 
body,  hi  the  symbolic  alphabet  of  Free- 
masonry, therefore,  the  Twenty-four  inch 
Gauge  is  a  symbol  of  time  well  employed  ;  the 
Common  Gavel,  of  the  purification  of  the 
heart. 


A\ASTER  MASON.  121 

At  the  building  of  tlie  Temple,  the  stones 
having  been  thus  prepared  by  the  workmen 
of  the  lowest  degree,  we  are  informed  that 
they  were  transported  to  the  site  of  the  edifice 
on  Mount  Moriah,  and  were  there  placed  in 
the  hands  of  another  class  of  workmen,  who 
are  now  technically  called  the  Fellow  Crafts. 
At  this  stage  of  the  operative  work  more 
extensive  and  important  labors  were  to  be 
performed,  and  accordingly  a  greater  amount 
of  skill  and  knowledge  was  required  of  those 
to  whom  these  labors  were  intrusted.  The 
stones,  having  been  prepared  by  the  Appren- 
tices, were  now  to  be  deposited  in  their 
destined  places  in  the  building,  and  the  mas- 
sive walls  were  to  be  erected.  For  these 
purposes  implements  of  a  higher  and  more 
complicated  character  than  the  gauge  and 
gavel  were  necessary.  The  Square  was 
required  to  fit  the  joints  with  sufficient  ac- 
curacy, the  Level  to  run  the  courses  in  a 
horizontal  line,  and  the  Plumb  to  erect  the 
whole  with  due  regard  to  perfect  perpendicu- 
larity.   This  portion  of  the  labor  finds  its 


122  MASTER  MASON. 

symbolism  in  the  second  degree  of  the  specu- 
lative science,  and  in  applying  this  symbolism 
we  still  continue  to  refer  to  the  idea  of 
erecting  a  spiritual  temple  in  the  heart. 

The  necessary  preparations,  then,  having 
been  made  in  the  first  degree,  the  lessons 
having  been  received  by  which  the  aspirant 
is  taught  to  commence  the  labor  of  life  with 
the  purification  of  the  heart,  as  a  Fellow 
Craft  he  continues  the  task  by  cultivating 
those  virtues  which  give  form  and  impression 
to  the  character,  as  well  adapted  stones  give 
shape  and  stability  to  the  building.  And 
hence  the  Working  Tools  of  the  Fellow  Craft 
are  referred,  in  their  symbolic  application,  to 
these  virtues.  ,  In  the  alphabet  of  symbolism, 
we  find  the  Square,  the  Level  and  the  Plumb, 
appropriated  to  this  second  degree.  The 
Square  is  a  symbol  denoting  morality.  It 
teaches  us  to  apply  the  unerring  principles  of 
moral  science  to  every  action  of  our  lives,  to 
see  that  all  the  motives  and  results  of  our 
conduct  shall  coincide  with  the  dictates  of 
divine  justice,  and   that  all  our  thoughts^ 


MASTER  MASON.  123 

words  and  deeds  shall  harmoniously  conspire, 
lik**  the  well-adjusted  and  rightly-squared 
joints  of  an  edifice,  to  produce  a  smooth, 
unbroken  life  of  virtue. 

The  Plumb  is  a  symbol  of  rectitude  of 
conduct,  and  inculcates  that  integrity  of  life 
and  undeviating  course  of  moral  uprightness, 
which  can  alone  distinguish  the  good  and 
just  man.  As  the  operative  workman  erects 
his  temporal  building  with  strict  observance 
of  that  plumb-line,  which  will  not  permit  him 
to  deviate  a  hair's  breadth  to  the  right  or  to 
the  left,  so  the  speculative  Mason,  guided  by 
the  unerring  principles  of  right  and  truth 
inculcated  in  the  symbolic  teachings  of  the 
same  implement,  is  steadfast  in  the  pursuit 
of  truth,  neither  bending  beneath  the  frowns 
of  adversity  nor  yielding  to  the  seductions  of 
prosperity. 

The  Level,  the  last  of  the  three  working 
tools  of  the  operative  craftsman,  is  a  symbol 
of  equality  of  station.  Not  that  equalitv  of 
civil  or  social  position,  which  is  to  be  found 
onlv  in  the  vain  dreams  of  the  anarchist  or 


124  MASTER   A\ASON. 

the  Utopian,  but  that  great  moral  and  physical 
equality  which  affects  the  whole  human  race, 
as  the  children  of  one  common  Father,  who 
causes  His  sun  to  shine  and  His  rain  to  fall  on 
all  alike,  and  Who  has  so  appointed  the 
universal  lot  of  humanity,  that  death,  the 
leveler  of  all  human  greatness,  is  made  to 
visit  with  equal  pace  the  prince's  palace  and 
the  peasant's  hut. 

In  the  third  degree  the  symbolic  allusions 
to  the  Temple  of  Solomon,  and  the  implements 
of  Masonry  employed  in  its  construction,  are 
extended  and  fully  completed.  At  the  build- 
ing of  that  edifice,  we  have  already  seen  that 
one  class  of  workmen  was  employed  in  the 
preparation  of  tlie  materials,  while  another 
was  engaged  in  placing  those  materials  in 
their  proper  position.  But  there  was  a  third 
and  higher  class — the  master  workmen— 
whose  duty  it  was  to  superintend  the  two 
other  classes,  and  to  see  that  the  stones  were 
not  only  duly  prepared,  but  that  the  most 
exact  accuracy  had  been  observed  in  giving 
to  them  their  true  juxtaposition  in  the  edifice. 


MASTER  MASON.  125 

It  was  then  only  that  the  last  and  finishing 
labor  was  performed,  and  the  cement  was 
applied  by  these  skillful  workmen,  to  secure 
the  materials  in  their  appropriate  places,  and 
to  unite  the  building  in  one  enduring  and 
connected  mass.  Hence  the  Trowel,  w^e  are 
informed,  was  the  most  important,  though, 
of  course,  not  the  only  implement  in  use 
among  the  master  builders.  They  did  not 
permit  this  last  indelible  operation  to  be  per- 
formed by  any  hands  less  skillful  than  their 
own.  They  required  that  the  craftsmen 
should  prove  the  correctness  of  their  M'ork  by 
the  square,  level  and  plumb,  and  test  by  these 
unerring  instruments  the  accuracy  of  their 
joints ;  and,  when  satisfied  of  the  just 
arrangement  of  every  part,  the  cement,  which 
was  to  give  an  unchangeable  union  to  the 
whole,  was  then  applied  by  themselves. 

Hence,  in  speculative  Masonry,  the  Trowel 
has  been  assigned  to  the  third  degree,  as  its 
proper  implement,  and  the  symbolic  meaning 
which  accompanies  it,  has  a  strict  and  beau- 
tiful reference  to  the  purposes  for  which   it 


126  MASTER  MASON. 

was  used  in  the  ancient  temple  ;  for  as  It 
was  there  employed  "  to  spread  the  cement 
which  united  the  building  in  one  common 
mass,"  so  it  is  selected  as  the  symbol  of 
brotherly  love — that  cement  whose  object  is 
to  unite  our  mystic  association  in  one  sacred 
and  harmonious  band  of  brethren. 

The  Temple  is  now  completed.  The  stones 
having  been  hewn,  squared  and  numbered  in 
the  quarries  by  the  apprentices — having  been 
properly  adjusted  by  the  craftsmen,  and 
finally  secured  in  their  appropriate  places, 
with  the  strongest  and  purest  cement,  by  the 
master  builders — the  Temple  of  King  Solomon 
presented,  in  its  fmished  condition,  so  noble 
an  appearance  of  sublimity  and  grandeur  as 
to  well  deserve  to  be  selected,  as  it  has  been, 
for  the  type  or  symbol  of  that  immortal 
temple  of  the  body,  to  which  the  Great 
Teacher  significantly  and  symbolically  alluded 
when  He  said,  "  Destroy  this  temple,  and  in 
three  days  I  will  raise  it  up." 

The  Temple  is  indeed  fmished,  but  as 
speculative   Masons  our  labor  has  not  yet 


\iastek  mason. 


ended,  nor  indeed  can  it  end  until  this  mortal 
sliall  have  put  on  immortality,  and  in  that 
all-perfect  and  glorious  Lodge  above,  where 
the  Supreme  Grand  Master  of  the  Universe 
presides,  we  shall  have  received  the  reward 
of  good  and  faithful  craftsmen.  The  search 
for  the  Word— to  fmd  Divine  Truth— this, 
and  this  only,  is  a  Mason's  work,  and  the 
Word  is  his  reward. 

The  aspirant  enters  on  this  search  after 
truth,  as  an  Entered  Apprentice,  in  darkness, 
seeking  for  light — the  light  of  wisdom,  the 
light  of  truth,  the  light  symbolized  by  the 
Word.  For  this  im.portant  task,  upon  which 
he  starts  forth  gropingly,  falteringly,  doubt- 
ingly,  in  want  and  in  weakness,  he  is  pre- 
pared by  a  purification  of  the  heart,  and  is 
invested  with  a  first  substitute  for  the  true 
Word,  which,  like  the  pillar  that  went  before 
the  Israelites  in  the  wilderness,  is  to  guide 
him  onwards  in  his  weary  journey.  He  is 
directed  to  take,  as  a  staff  and  scrip  for  his 
journey,  all  those  virtues  which  expand  the 
heart  and  dignify  the  soul.     Secrecy,  obedi- 


128  MASTER  MASON. 

ence,  humility,  trust  in  God,  purity  of  con- 
science, economy  of  time,  are  all  inculcated 
by  impressive'types  and  symbols,  which  con- 
nect the  first  degree  with  the  period  of  youth. 

And  then,  next  in  the  degree  of  Fellow 
Craft,  he  fairly  enters  upon  his  journey. 
Youth  has  now  passed,  and  manhood  has 
come  on.  New  duties  and  increased  obliga- 
tions press  upon  the  individual.  The  thinking 
and  working  stage  of  life  is  here  symbolized. 
Science  is  to  be  cultivated ;  wisdom  is.  to  be 
acquired  ;  the  lost  Word — Divine  Truth — is 
still  to  be  sought  for.  But  even  yet  it  is  not 
to  be  found. 

And  now  the  Master  Mason  comes,  with 
all  the  symbolism  around  him  of  old  age — 
trials,  sufferings,  death.  And  here,  too,  the 
aspirant,  pressing  onward,  always  onward, 
still  cries  aloud  for  "  light,  more  light."  The 
search  is  almost  over,  but  the  lesson,  humili- 
ating to  human  nature,  is  to  be  taught,  that 
in  this  life — gloomy  and  dark,  earthly  and 
carnal — pure  truth  has  no  abiding  place ; 
and  contented  with  a  substitute,  the  good 


MASTER  A\ASON,  129 

Mason  calmly  awaits  his  entrance  into  that 
Second  Temple  of  Eternal  Life,  there  to 
receive  that  true  Word,  that  Divine  Truth, 
which  will  fully  reveal  to  us  God,  and  His 
emanation,  the  human  soul. 

Finally,  my  brethren,  shall  we  not,  one 
and  all,  so  live,  that,  when  the  toils  and  cares 
of  the  world  are  over — when  from  our  nerve- 
less grasp  shall  drop  forever  the  working 
tools  of  life — when  felled  by  the  grim 
destroyer,  Death,  our  bodies  shall,  in  cor- 
ruption, lie  far  from  the  unfinished  Sanctum 
Sanctorum,  we  may  rest  assured  that  in  the 
fulness  of  time  the  Strength  of  the  Lion  of 
the  Tribe  of  Judah  shall  indeed  for  us  prevail, 
and  we  shall  be  raised  to  perfect  fellowship 
with  the  God  of  Truth,  and  receive  the  wel- 
come commendation  :  "  Well  done,  thou  good 
and  faithful  servant ;  enter  thou  into  the  yjy 
of  thy  Lord." 

CHARGE  TO  THE   CANDIDATE. 

Brother — 

Your  zeal  for  the  institution  of  Masonry, 
the  progress  you  have  made  in  the  mystery, 


130  MASTER  MASON. 

and  your  conformity  to  our  regulations,  liave 
pointed  you  out  as  a  proper  object  of  our 
favor  and  esteem. 

You  are  now  bound  by  duty,  honor  and 
gratitude,  to  be  faithful  to  your  trust;  to 
support  the  dignity  of  your  character  on  every 
occasion ;  and  to  enforce  by  precept  and 
example,  obedience  to  the  tenets  of  the  order. 

In  the  character  of  a  Master  Mason,  you 
are  authorized  to  correct  the  errors  and 
irregularities  of  your  uninformed  brethren,  and 
to  guard  them  against  a  breach  of  fidelity. 
To  preserve  the  reputation  of  the  Fraternity 
unsullied,  must  be  your  constant  care ;  and 
for  this  purpose  it  is  your  province  to 
recommend  to  your  inferiors,  obedience  and 
submission ;  to  your  equals,  courtesy  and 
affability;  to  your  superiors,  kindness  and 
condescension.  Universal  benevolence  you 
are  always  to  inculcate  ;  and,  by  the  regu- 
larity of  your  own  behavior  afford  the  best 
example  for  the  conduct  of  others  less 
informed.  The  ancient  landmarks  of  the  order, 
entrusted  to  your  care,  you  are  carefully  to 


MAsTER  MASON.  131 

preserve ;  and  never  suffer  them  to  be 
infringed,  or  countenance  a  deviation  from  tlie 
established  usages  and  customs  of  the 
Fraternity. 

Your  virtue,  honor,  and  reputation,  are 
concerned  in  supporting  with  dignity  the 
character  you  now  bear.  Let  no  motive, 
therefore,  make* you  swerve  from  your  duty, 
violate  your  vows,  or  betray  your  trust ;  but 
be  true  and  faithful,  and  imitate  the  example 
cf  that  celebrated  artist  whom  you  this 
evening  represent.  Thus  you  will  render 
yourself  deserving  of  the  honor  which  we 
have  conferred,  and  merit  the  confidence  that 
v^  e  have  reposed. 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIES  OF  THE 
ORDER. 

FIRST  SECTION. 

GENERAL    REGULATIONS   FOR  PROCESSIONS. 

When  the  Fraternity  appears  in  public 
procession,  the  Regular  Order  in  Procession 
will  be  as  herein  indicated,  subject  however 
to  such  modifications  as  the  peculiar  ceremony 
demands,  which  modifications  will  be  indi- 
cated under  the  appropriate  sections. 

GRAND  LODGE. 

When  the  Grand  Lodge  appears  in  public 
procession,  the  Regular  Order  in  Procession 
will  be  as  follows. 

Grand  Tyler,  with  drawn  sword  ; 

Grand  Stewards,  with  rods  ; 

Grand     Pursuivant,    with    sword    of 

state ; 

Grand  Secretary  and  Grand  Treasurer  ; 

A  Burning  Taper,  borne  by  a  Past 

Master ; 


c 


PROCESSIONS. 

The  Holy  Bible,  Square  and  Compas- 
ses, on  a  velvet  cushion,  borne 
by  a  Past  Master  ; 
Two  Burning  Tapers,  borne  by  two 

Past  Masters ; 
Grand  Chaplain  and  Grand  Orator ; 
The  Tuscan  and  Composite  Orders, 

borne  by  two  Past  Masters  ; 

The     Doric,     Ionic    and     Corinthian 

Orders,  borne  by  three  Past  Masters  ; 

Past  Grand  Wardens ; 

Past  Deputy  Grand  Masters  ; 

Past  Grand  Masters ; 

Celestial  and  Terrestrial  Globes,  borne 

by  two  Past  Masters  ; 

Grand    Junior    Warden    and    Grand 

Senior  Warden  ; 

Deputy  Grand  Master ; 

The  Book  of  Constitutions,  carried  by 

the  Worshipful  Master  of  the 

the  oldest  Lodge  present ; 

The  GRAND  MASTER,  supported  by 

the  Grand  Deacons,  with  rods,  and 

.followed    by   the    Grand    Sword 

Bearer,    with    drawn    Sword. 


ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 


When  Lodges  appear  in  procession  with  tlie 
Grand  Lodge,  they  will  be  arranged  in  Regu- 
lar Order  in  Procession,  and  march  before 
the  Grand  Lodge,  preceeding  the  Grand  Tyler. 

If  it  be  a  procession  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
only,  Entered  Apprentices,  Fellow  Crafts, 
Master  Masons  and  Past  Masters,  in  the 
order  named,  by  two  and  two,  follow  the 
Grand  Stewards. 

LODGE. 

When  a  Lodge  appears  in  public  procession, 
the  Regular  Order  in  Procession  will  be  as 
follows  : 

Tyler,  with  drawn  sword  ; 
Stewards,  with  rods ; 
Entered  Apprentices,  by  two  and  two; 
Fellow  Crafts,  by  two  and  two  ; 
Master  Masons,  by  two  and  two  ; 
"2         Past  Masters,  by  two  and  two  ; 
"^  Secretary  and  Treasurer ;    ; 

'^  Junior  and  Senior  Wardens ; 

The  Holy  Bible,  Square  and  Compasses, 
borne  by  the  oldest  Member  of  the 
Lodge  not  in  office  ; 
The  Worshipful  Master,  supported  by 
the  Deacons,  with  rods. 


PROCESSIONS.  135 

When  the  Grand  Master,  Deputy  Grand 
Master,  or  other  officers,  present  or  past,  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  join  the  procession  of  a 
Lodge,  proper  respect  is  to  be  paid  to  the  rank 
of  such  oftlcer  or  oftkers.  Their  position 
will  be  immediately  before  the  Wardens  of 
the  Lodge,  and  two  Deacons  with  rods,  will 
be  appointed  to  attend  a  Grand  Master, 
Deputy  Grand  Master  or  a  Grand  Warden. 
When  the  Grand  Master  or  Deputy  Grand 
Master  is  present,  the  Book  of  Constitutions 
will  be  borne  before  him.  The  horor  of 
carrying  this  Book  belongs  of  right  to  the 
Worshipful  Master  of  the  oldest  Lodge  in  th; 
jurisdiction,  whenever  he  is  present.  The 
Book  of  Constitutions  must  never  be  borne 
in  a  procession  unless  the  Grand  Master  or 
Deputy  Grand  Master  be  present. 

In  entering  public  buildings,  the  Holy 
Bible,  Square  and  Compasses,  and  the  Book 
of  Constitutions,  are  to  be  placed  in  front  of 
the  Grand  Master,  and  are  to  be  surrounded 
by  the  three  Burning  Tapers;  the  Grand 
Marshal  and  Grand  Deacons  must  keep  near 
the  Grand  Master. 

The  post  of  honor  in  a  Masonic  procession 
is  always  in  the  rear.  When  two  or  more 
Lodges  join  in  a  procession,  the  Lodges  take 
precedence  in  the  order  of  age,  the  oldest 


36  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

being  in  the  rear,  unless  otherwise  arranged 
by  some  special  provision. 

All  processions  w-ill  return  in  the  same 
order  in  which  they  set  out. 

When  a  procession  faces  inward,  the 
Deacons  and  Stewards  will  cross  their  rods, 
so  as  to  form  an  arch  for  the  brethren  to  pass 
beneath. 

Marshals  are  to  walk  or  ride  on  the  left 
flank  of  a  procession.  The  appropriate 
costume  of  a  Marshal  is  a  cocked  hat,  sword 
and  scarf,  with  a  baton  in  his  hand.  The 
color  of  the  scarf  must  be  blue  in  the  proces- 
sion of  a  Lodge,  and  purple  in  that  of  the  Grand 
Lodge.  The  proper  clothing  for  brethren  in 
procession,  is  dark  clothes  and  hat,  white 
gloves  and  apron. 

When  a  band  of  music  occurs  in  the 
procession  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  when  othe*- 
Lodges  are  also  in  the  procession,  it  wiK 
immediately  precede  the  Grand  Tyler  ;  when 
it  occurs  in  the  procession  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  alone,  it  will  follow  the  Grand  Tyler; 
when  it  occurs  in  the  procession  of  a  Lodge  it 
will  follow  the  Stewards,  if  all  the  musicians 
be  Masons,  otherwise  it  will  follow  the  Tyler. 

When  Knights  1  emplar,  in  uniform,  appear 
in  the  procession  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  they 
will  act  as  escort,  and  march  just  before  the 
Grand  Lodge;  when  in  the  procession  of  a 


CONSECRATION— NKW  LODGE.  137 

Lodge,  they  will  act  as  escort,  marching  just 
after  the  Band,  except  in  Funeral  Processions, 
for  which  special  provision  is  made. 

When  members  of  other  branches  of  the 
Masonic  Fraternity  appear  in  uniform  in  a 
precession,  they  will  be  assigned  a  position 
between  the  Master  Masons  and  Past  Masters. 

SECOiND  SECTION. 

eONSECRATIOX,   DEDICATION   AND   CONSTITUTION   OF  A 
NEW  LODGE.— GENERAL  REMARKS. 

Under  the  Law  in  this  Grand  Jurisdiction, 
any  number  of  Master  Masons,  not  less  than 
seven,  being  desirous  of  forming  a  new 
Lodge,  must  apply  by  petition  to  the  Grand 
Master,  blank  forms  for  which  will  be  fur- 
nished by  the  Grand  Secretary  upon  applica- 
tion. Such  petition  shall  be  signed  by  the 
Brothers  who  are  desirous  of  being  authorized 
to  open  and  hold  the  proposed  Lodge,  and  to 
work  therein ;  and  every  Petitioner  shall 
produce  satisfactory  evidence  of  dimission 
from  the  Lodge  of  which  he  was  last  a 
member,  or  show  that  such  Lodge  has  ceased 
to  exist.  In  such  petition  there  shall  be 
nominated  one  Brother  for  Master,  one 
Brother  for  Senior  Warden  and  one  Brother 
for  Junior  Warden.     Such  petition  must  be 


138  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

recommended  by  the  Lodge  nearest  to  th 
place  where  the  proposed  new  Lodge  is  to  bd 
located,  and  in  such  recommendation  it  must 
be  expressly  stated  :  first,  that  the  petitioners 
are  Master  Masons  in  good  standing  ;  second, 
that  they  have  provided  a  suitable  place  in 
which  to  hold  their  meetings  ;  third,  that  the 
Master  and  Wardens  nominated  in  the  peti- 
tion have  satisfactorily  exhibited  their  skill 
by  an  exemplification  of  the  Work  of  Ancient 
Craft  Masonry. 

As  there  is  oftentimes  a  grave  difference 
of  opinion  between  the  Grand  Master  and  the 
local  brethren  as  to  the  advisability  of  the 
forming  of  a  proposed  new  Lodge,  ample 
correspondence  with  the  Grand  Master,  by 
which  he  is  made  thoroughly  conversant  with 
the  peculiar  facts  and  surroundings  in  the 
case,  will  sometimes  save  much  time  an4 
labor  upon  a  petition. 

Lodges,  working  under  Dispensation,  are 
merely  the  agents  of  the  Grand  Master  grant- 
ing the  authority :  their  presiding  oificers  arc 
not  entitled  to  the  rank  of  Past  Masters , 
their  oftkers  are  not  privileged  with  a  vote  or 
voice  in  the  Grand  Lodge  ;  they  can  not  elect 
officers  or  make  by-la\^'s  ;  the  Master  and 
Wardens  are  appointed  in  the  Dispensation, 
and  can  not  be  changed  without  the  special 
approbation  and  consent  of  the  Grand  Master 


CONSECRATION — NEW  LODGE.  ijy 

granting  the  authority,  or  of  the  Grand 
Lodge;  the  Master  appoints  the  officers 
subordinate  to  the  Wardens,  and  may  fill  any 
vacancy  in  their  stations.  The  Master  and 
Wardens  appointed  require  no  other  authority 
than  that  contained  in  the  Letters  of  Dispen- 
sation to  assemble  the  petitioners  and  com- 
mence their  labors,  witliout  any  ceremonies 
of  Consecrating,  Dedicating  or  Constituting, 
or  Installing  of  Officers.  The  powers  of  a 
Lodge  under  Dispensation  are  limited  to 
accepting  candidates  for  the  Mysteries  of 
Masonry,  and  conferring  the  Degrees  upon 
them ;  they  can  not  receive  or  act  upon 
Petitions  for  Membership.  In  case  of  the 
cessation  of  such  Lodges,  their  funds,  jewels 
and  other  property,  accumulated  by  initiations 
into  the  several  degrees,  become  the  property 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  must  be  turned  over 
upon  demand. 

When  a  Lodge  under  Dispensation  shall 
have  passed  the  required  probation,  and  the 
Grand  Lodge  shall  have  granted  a  Charter, 
(if  one  be  granted)  they  are  then  consecrated, 
dedicated  and  constituted,  and  have  their 
officers  installed,  and  are  thus  confirmed  in 
the  possession  of  their  property,  and  possess 
all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  a  regularly 
constituted  Lodge,  so  long  as  they  conform 
to  tlie  Constitutions  of  Masonry. 


J40  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

After  a  Charter  is  granted  by  the  Grand 
Lodge,  the  Grand  Master  appoints  a  day  and 
hour  for  the  performance  of  these  ceremonies, 
or  specially  deputizes  some  competent  and 
qualified  Brother  to  fully  act  for  him,  congre- 
gate the  Brethren,  and  consecrate,  dedicate 
and  constitute  the  Lodge,  and  install  its 
officers.  If  the  Grand  Master,  or  a  Past 
Grand  Master,  in  person,  conducts  the  cere- 
mony, the  Lodge  is  said  to  be  constituted  in 
AMPLE  FORM;  if  the  Deputy  Grand 
Master,  or  Grand  Senior  or  Junior  Warden, 
or  an  officer  entitled  to  be  addressed  as  Right 
Worshipful,  it  is  said  to  be  constituted  in 
DUE  FORM  ;  but  if  the  power  is  vested  in 
any  other  person,  it  is  said  to  be  constituted  in 
FORM.  The  various  officers  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  not  present,  have  their  places  supplied 
by  the  presiding  officer  from  tlie  qualified 
brethren'  pressnt. 

CONSECRATION. 

On  the  day  and  hour  appointed,  the  Grand 
Master  and  his  officers,  or  their  representa- 
tives, meet  in  a  convenient  room  near  the 
Lodge  to  be  consecrated,  and  open  on  the 
Degree  provided  for  by  Sec.  7,  Art.  II,  of  the 
Constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  The 
officers  of  the  new  Lodge  are  examined  "by  the 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  after  assembling 


CONSeCKAriON— NEW  LODGE.  141 

in  their  Lodge  Room  they  send  a  messenger 
to  the    Grand    Master  with    the    following 
message : 
Most   Worshipful    Grand    Master:      The 

officers    and    brethren   of Lodge, 

who  are  now  assembled  at  their  Lodge  Room, 
have  instructed  me  to  inform  you,  that  the 
Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  Ancient, 
Free  and  Accepted  Masons  of  Kansas  was 
pleased  to  grant  them  a  Charter,  authorizing 
them  to  form  and  open  a  Lodge  of  Free  and 

Accepted  Masons  in  the  town  of 

They  are  now  desirous  that  their  Lodge 
should  be  consecrated,  and  their  officers  in- 
stalled in  due  and  ancient  form ;  for  which 
purpose  they  are  now  met,  and  await  the 
pleasure  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand 
Master, 

The  Grand  Lodge  then  walk  in  procession 
to  the  Hall  of  the  new  Lodge.  As  the  Grand 
Master  enters,  the  brethren  are  called  up,  and 
the  Grand  Honorsf  are  given  by   the  new 

fThe  Grand  Honors  cf  Masonry  are  of  three  kinds 
the  Private,  the  Public  and  the  Funeral,  and  each  of 
them  are  used  on  different  occasions  and  for  different 
purposes.  ^ 

The  Private  Grand  Honors  are  the  D.'.GS.".  and  SS.\ 
of  the  three  degrees,  and  are  performed  in  a  manner 


i42  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

Lodge  ;  the  officers  of  which  resign  their  seats 
to  the  Grand  Officers,  and  take  their  several 
stations  on  the  left. 

If  the  ceremonies  are  to  be  performed  in 
public,  the  Grand  Marshal  then  forms  the 
procession  in  the  following  order : 

A  Tyler,  with  drawn  sword  ; 

Two  Stewards,  with  rods  ; 

Entered  Apprentices,  two  and  two ; 

Fellow  Crafts,  two  and  two  ; 

Master  Masons,  two  and  two  ; 

Junior  Deacons,  with  rods  ; 

Senior  Deacons,  with  rods  ; 

Secretaries  ; 

Treasurers ; 

Junior  Wardens ; 

Senior  Wardens ; 

Masters  of  Lodges; 

Past  Masters. 


known  only  to  Master  Masons,  and  can  only  be  used  in  a 
Master's  Lodjje.  They  are  practiced  by  the  Craft  only 
on  four  occasions:  when  a  Masonic  Hall  is  to  be  conse- 
crated, a  new  Lodge  to  be  constituted,  a  Master  elect  to 
be  installed,  or  a  Grand  Master  or  his  Deputy  to  be  re- 
ceived on  an  official  visitatio'  to  a  Lodge  They  are  used 
at  all  these  ceremonies  as  tokens  of  congratulation  and 
homage.  It  is  evident  from  what  has  been  said,  that  the 
mode  and  manner  of  giving  the  Private  Grand  '-'onors 
can  only  be  communicated  personally  to  Master  Masons. 


CONSECRATION—NEW   LODGE.  143 

Then  follow  the  officers  and  members  of  the 
NEW  LODGE,  arranged  in  Regular  Order 
of  Procession  (see  page  132),  with  the  fol- 
lowing addition :  immediately  following  the 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  will  come  two 
brethren  carrying  the  "Lodge";  the 
"  Lodge,"  technically  speaking,  is  a  piece  of 
furniture,  made  in  imitation  of  the  Ark  of  the 
Covenant.  Where  a  rep;ularly-made  Ark 
is  not  available,  a  temporary  arrangement 


The  Public  Grand  Honors,  as  their  name  imports,  do- 
not  partake  of  this  secret  character.  They  are  given 
upon  all  public  occasions,  except  funerals,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  profane  as  well  as  the  initiated.  They  are 
used  at  pubhc  installations,  at  the  laying  of  corner  stones 
of  public  buildings,  or  in  other  services  in  which  the 
ministrations  of  the  Fraternity  are  required.  They  are 
given  by  striking  the  palms  of  the  hands  together,  first, 
the  rigiit  hand  upon  the  left  three  times,  second,  the 
left  hand  upon  the  right  three  times,  third,  the  right 
hand  upon  the  left  three  times,  making  nine  concus- 
sions in  all,  or  technically  "  three  times  three." 

The  Funeral  Grand  Honors,  as  their  name  imports, 
are  used  at  funeral  or  memorial  services,  and  are  given 
in  the  following  manner:  Both  arms  are  crossed  on  the 
breast,  the  left  uppermost,  and  the  open  palms  of  the 
hands  sharply  striking  the  shoulders;  they  are  then 
raised  above  the  head,  the  palms  striking  each  other,  and 
then  made  to  fall  smartly  upon  the  thighs.  This  is  re- 
peated three  times,  and  while  the  Honors  are  being  given 
the  third  time,  the  brethren  audibly  pronounce  the  fol- 
lowing words — when  the  arms  are  crossed  on  the  breast: 
"We  cherish  his  memory  here  ;"  when  the  hands  are  ex- 
tended above  the  head  :  "We  commend  his  spirit  to  God 
who  gave  it;"  and  when  the  hands  are  extended  toward 
the  ground  :  "And  consign  his  body  to  the  earth." 


144  ANCIhNT  CEREMONIES. 

can  be  made  of  a  box,  of  an  oblong-square 
shape. 

In  the  procession,  next  after  the  officers 
and  members  of  the  New  Lodge  will  come  the 
Band  of  Musicians,  if  any ;  following  which 
will  come  the  Grand  Lodge,  arranged  in 
Regular  Order  of  Procession  (seepage  132), 
with  the  following  addition :  between  the 
Grand  Pursuivant  and  the  Grand  Secretary 
and  Grand  Treasurer  will  come : 

A  Brother,  carrying  a  Golden  Vessel  con- 
taining Corn  (Wheat)  ; 
Two  Brothers,  carrying  Silver  Vessels,  one 
containing  Wine,  the  other  Oil. 

The  procession  moves  on  to  the  church  or 
house  where  the  services  are  to  be  performed. 
When  the  front  of  the  procession  arrives  at 
the  door,  they  halt,  open  to  the  right  and  left, 
face  inward,  and  the  Stewards  and  Deacons 
cross  rods,  while  the  Grand  Master  and 
others  in  succession,  pass  through  and  enter 
the  house. 

A  platform  is  erected  in  front  of  the  pulpit, 
and  provided  with  seats  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  the  Grand  Officers. 

The  Holy  Bible,  Square  and  Compasses, 
and  Book  of  Constitutions,  are  placed  upon 
a  table  in  front  of  the  Grand  Master ;   the 


CONSECRATION— NEW  LODGE.  145 

"  Lodge"  is  placed  in  tlie  center,  upon  a  plat 
form  covered  with  white  linen,  silk  or  satin, 
and  is  itself  covered  with  a  loose  covering  of 
white  linen,  silk  or  satin,  and  encompassed 
by  the  Burning  Tapers,  and  the  Vessels  of 
Corn,  Wine  and  Oil. 
The  following  services  then  take  place  : 


ODE. 

Tune:  State  Street.  S.  M. 


n   ii  ^          J 

I        1 

.        . 

yirry^ q    'J 

J                 1 

1 

ittt  Jt  -J    <^ 

*\        m          i 

1 

rrn    ~    ') 

^1           Ji 

1 

VAJ         £       1 

1         \          \          rj. 

^         -1 

Great  Source  of 

light 

and 

-4^ 

love, 

c\-^  ifO  ^ 

7'                                           '-^ 

<?         1 

M.ff.'^J    ; 

^ 

L_ 

1 

^  ^    9   . 

1              ■              1 

1 

-^           ^ 

<? 

f2        1 

<^ 

U- 


-^ -^ ^ <& 

To      Thee    our      songs     we      raise ! 


i^ 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 


M 


4=1: 


r=* 


^^ 


5=^ 


^ 


Oh,     in  Thy  tern  -pie,  Lord,   a  -  bove 


9# 


1^: 


1 


is: 


* ^i 3^ 


3 


I 


Hear      and      ac  -  cept  •   our  praise. 


9# 


1 


Shine  on  this  festive  day, 
Succeed  its  hoped  design, 

And  may  our  Charity  display 
A  love  resembling  Thine ! 

May  this  fraternal  band, 
Now  consecrated — blest — 

In  union  all  distinguished  stand, 
In  purity  be  drest ! 


CONSECRATION— NEW  LODGE.  147 

The  following,  or  an  extemporaneous 
prayer,  will  be  offered  by  the  Grand  Chaplain: 

Great,  Adorable  and  Supreme  Being  !  We 
praise  Thee  for  al !  Thy  n  cies,  and  especially 
for  giving  us  desire,  to  enjoy,  and  powers  of 
enjoying,  the  delights  of  so  ety.  The  affec- 
tions which  Thou  hast  iir.planted  in  us,  and 
which  we  can  not  destroy  without  violence 
to  our  nature,  are  amon^  *'  o  chief  blessings 
which  Thy  benign  wisdom  hath  trestowed 
upon  us.  Help  us  duly  to  improve  all  our 
powers  to  the  promotion  of  Thy  glory  in  the 
world,  and  the  good  [of  our  fellow-creatures. 
May  we  be  active  under  Thy  Divine  Light, 
and  dwell  in  Thy  Truth. 

Extend  Thy  favor  to  us  who  are  now  enter- 
ing into  a  Fraternal  Compact  under  peculiar 
obligations.  Enable  us  to  be  faithful  to 
Thee,  faithful  in  our  callings  in  life,  faithful 
Masons  in  all  the  duties  of  the  Craft,  and 
faithful  to  each  other  as  members  of  this 
society.  Take  us  under  the  shadow  of  Thy  pro- 
tection ;  and  to  Thy  service  and  glory  may  we 
consecrate  our  hearts.     May  we  always  put 


148 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIE} 


Faith  in  Thee,  have  Hope  in  salvation,  and 
be  in  Charity  with  all  mankind.     Amen  ! 

Response:  So  mote  it  be  ! 

An  Oration,  or  Sermon,  upon  the  designs 
and  principles  of  the  Institution,  is  then 
delivered  by  the  Grand  Chaplain,  or  some 
competent  Brother  appointed  for  that  purpose ; 
after  which  is  sung  the  following  Ode  : 

ODE. 

Tune  :  Dnke  Street.  L.  M. 


11 


How  blest  the  sa  -  cred  tie     that  binds 


^^M:=^ 


#— ^ 


-H^ 


-^m 


A^ 


m 


\*f- 


fc^=4: 


g 


m 


-<5^ 


-« — «- 


-<5^ 


I^ 


i^ 


In  sweet  com-mun-ion     kind-red  minds  ! 

i L^ a. Q. 


:^i 


^^ 


:0NSECRAT10N— NEW  LODGE. 


How  swift  the  heav'nlv  course  thev  run, 


:2zS 


'^-^ —  i  ■     !    M 


-^-T 


S«i 


ipl 


:^ 


S3 


1^  I 

Whose  hearts.whose  faith  .whose  hopes  are  one. 


:^ 


Together  oft  they  seek  the  place 
Where  Masons  meet  with  smiling  face ; 
How  high,  how  strong  their  raptures  swell, 
There's  none  but  kindred  souls  can  tell. 

Nor  shall  the  glowing  flame  expire, 
When  dimly  burns  frail  Nature's  fire  ; 
Then  shall  they  meet  in  realms  above, 
A  heaven  of  joy,  a  heaven  of  love. 


ISO  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

The  Grand  Marshal  then  forms  the  officers 
and  members  of  the  new  Lodge  in  front  of 
tne  Grand  Master.  The  Deputy  Grand 
Master  addresses  the  Grand  Master  as 
follows : 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master:  A  num- 
ber of  brethren,  duly  instructed  in  the 
mysteries  of  Masonry,  having  assembled 
together  at  stated  periods,  for  some  time  past, 
by  virtue  of  a  Dispensation  granted  them  for 
that  purpose,  do  now  desire  to  be  Constituted 
into  a  regular  Lodge,  agreeably  to  the  ancient 
usages  and  customs  of  the  Fraternity. 

The  Records  are  then  presented  to  the 
Grand  Master^  who  examines  them,  and  if 
found  correct,  proclaims  : 

The  records  appear  to  be  correct,  and  are 
approved.  Upon  due  deliberation,  the  Grand 
Lodge  have  granted  the  brethren  of  this  new 
Lodge  a  Warrant,  establishing  and  confirming 
them  in  the  rights  and  privileges  of  a  Regu- 
larly Constituted  Lodge;  which  the  Grand 
Secretary  will  now  read. 


CONSECRATION— NEW  LODGE.  1 51 

After  the  Warrant  is  read,  the  Grand 
Master  then  says : 

We  shall  now  proceed,  according  to  ancient 
usage,  to  constitute  these  brethren  into  a 
Regular  Lodge. 

Whereupon  the  several  officers  of  the  new 
Lodge  deliver  up  their  jewels  and  badges  to 
their  Master,  who  presents  them,  with  his 
own,  to  the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  he  to 
the  Grand  Master. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  presents  the 
Master  elect  to  the  Grand  Master,  saying  : 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master  :   I  present 

you  Brother whom  the  members  of  the 

Lodge  noW  to  be  constituted  have  chosen  for 
their  Worshipful  Master. 

The  Grand  Master  asks  the  brethren  if 
they  remain  satisfied  with  their  choice. 
[They  bow  in  token  of  assent.] 

The  Blaster  elect  then  presents  severally* 
his  Wardens  and  other. officers,  naming  them 
and  their  respective  offices.  The  Gra?id 
Master  asks  the  brethren  if  they  remain 
satisfied  with  each  and  all  of  them.  [They 
bow  as  before.  T 


152  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

The  officers  and  members  of  the  new  Lodge 
form  in  front  of  the  Grand  Master;  and  the 
ceremonies  of  Consecration  commence. 

The  Grand  Master  and  Grand  Officers 
now  form  themselves  in  order  around  the 
"Lodge"— all  kneeling. 

A  piece  of  solemn  music  is  performed,  very 
softly,  upon  the  organ,  while  the  "  Lodge '' 
is  being  uncovered  [that  is,  the  loose  covering 
removed]. 

After  which,  the  first  clause  of  the 
Consecration  Prayer  is  rehearsed  by  the 
Grand  Chaplain^  as  follows  : 

Great  Architect  of  the  Universe  !  Maker 
and  Ruler  of  all  Worlds !  Deign  from  Thy 
Celestial  Temple,  from  realms  of  light  and 
glory,  to  bless  us  in  all  the  purposes  of  our 
present  assembly  !  We  humbly  invoke  Thee 
to  give  us  at  this  and  at  all  times,  Wisdom 
in  all  our  doings.  Strength  of  mind  in  all  our 
difficulties,  and  the  Beauty  of  harmony  in  all 
our  communications !  Permit  us,  O  Thou 
Author  of  Light  and  Life,  great  source  of 
Love  and  Happiness,  to  erect  this  Lodge,  and 
now  solemnly  to  Consecrate  it  to  the  honor 
of  Thy  Glory !    Glory  be  to  God  on  high  ! 


CONSECRATION— NEW  LODGE.  155 

Resp07ise  by  the  Grand  Lodge:  As  it 
was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall 
be  ;  world  without  end.     Amen  ! 

Response  by  all  the  Brethren:  So  mote  it 
be! 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  presents  the 
Golden  Vessel  of  Corn,  and  the  Grand  Senior 
and  Jii7iior  Wardens  the  Silver  Vessels  of 
Wine  and  Oil,  to  the  Grand  Master^  who 
sprinkles  the  elements  of  Consecration  upon 
the  "Lodge." 

The  Grand  Chaplain  then  continues  : 
Grant,  O  Lord  our  God,  that  those  who 
are  now  about  to  be  invested  with  the  gov- 
ernment of  this  Lodge  may  be  endowed  with 
wisdom  to  instruct  their  brethren  in  all  their 
duties.  May  Brotherly  Love,  Relief,  and 
Truth  always  prevail  among  the  members  of 
this  Lodge  ;  May  this  bond  of  union  continue 
to  strengthen  the  Lodges  throughout  the 
world ! 

Bless  all  our  brethren,  wherever  dispersed  ; 
and  grant  speedy  relief  to  all  who  are  either 
oppressed  or  distressed. 


J54  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

We  affectionately  commena  to  Thee  all  the 
members  of  Thy  whole  family.  May  they 
increase  in  grace,  in  the  knowledge  of  Thee, 
and  in  the  love  of  each  other. 

Finally  :  May  we  fmish  all  our  work  here 
below  with  Thy  approbation  ;  and  then  have 
our  transition  from  this  earthly  abode  to  Thy 
heavenly  Temple  above  ;  there  to  enjoy  light, 
glory,  and  bliss,  ineffable  and  eternal ! 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high  ! 

'Response  by  the  Grand  Lodge:  As  it  was 
in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall  be  ; 
world  without  end.     Amen  ! 

Response  by  all  the  Brethren:  So  mote  it 
be! 

A  piece  of  solemn  music  is  performed  upon 
the  Organ  while  the  "Lodge"  is  again 
covered. 

DEDICATION. 

While  the  Organist  is  still  playing,  the 
Grand  3Taster  ax\sts,  and  standing  with  his 
hands  stretched  forth  over  the  "Lodge," 
exclaims  : 

To  the  memory  of  the  HOLY  SAINTS 
JOHN,  we  dedicate  this  Lodge.     May  every 


DEDICATION— CONSTITUTION— NEW  LODGE.        155 

Brother  revere  their  character  and  imitate 
their  virtues ! 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high  ! 

Response  by  the  Grand  Lodge:  As  it  was 
in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever  shall  be ; 
world  without  end.     Amen  ! 

Response  by  all  the  Brethre^i:  So  mote 
it  be ! 

A  piece  of  music  is  played  while  the  brethren 
of  the  new  Lodge  advance  in  procession  to 
salute  the  Grand  Lodge,  with  their  hands 
crossed  upon  their  breasts,  and  bowing  as 
they  pass.  They  then  take  their  places  as 
they  were. 

CONSTITUTION. 

The  Grand  Master  then  rises  and  Consti- 
tutes the  new  Lodge  in  the  following  form, 
all  the  brethren  standing  at  the  same  time  : 

In  the  name  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand 
Lodge  of  Ancient,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons 
of  Kansas,  I  now  constitute  and  form  you, 
my  beloved  brethren,  into  a  Regular  Lodge 
of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons.  From  hence- 
forth I  empower  you  to  meet  as  a  Regular 
Lodge,  constituted  in  conformity  to  the  rites 

—  II 


S^6  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

of  our  Order,  and  the  Charges  of  our  Ancient 
and  Honorable  Fraternity ;  and  may  the 
Supreme  Architect  of  the  Universe  prosper, 
direct  and  counsel  you  in  all  your  doings  ! 
Amen ! 

Response:     So  mote  it  be  ! 

The  Grand  Honors  are  then  given — public 
or  private,  as  the  case  requires. 

THIRD   SECTION. 

INSTALLATION   OF  THE   OFFICERS   OF   A   LODGE. 

The  new  Lodge  having  been  Consecrated, 
Dedicated  and  Constituted,  the  Officers  are 
then  to  be  installed. 

At  every  Annual  Election  in  a  Warranted 
Lodge,  it  is  necessary  that  the  oificers  should 
be  installed.  This  ceremony  may  be 
performed  by  the  retiring  Master,  or  by  any 
Past  Master.  At  the  Annual  Installation,  the 
Installing  Officer  appoints  some  Present  or 
Past  Master,  or,  if  none  be  present,  an  old 
well-informed  Master  Mason,  to  act  as 
Marshal,  whose  duties  will  be  to  present  the 
officers  elect  severally  in  front  of  the  Altar  for 
installation. 

The  Officers  can  be  installed  only  when 
personally  present ;  ofticers-elect  not  installed 


fNSTALLATlON— LODGE.  157 

on  or  before  St.  John's  Day,  in  December, 
can  be  installed  only  by  authority  of  the 
Grand  Master.  The  appointed  officers  may  be 
installed  at  any  time,  and  any  such  officer 
appointed  to  permanently  fill  a  vacancy  may 
be  installed  at  any  time  the  Master  may  direct. 

At  some  convenient  time,  prior  to  the 
ceremonies  of  Installation,  a  Lodge  of  actual 
Past  Masters  may  convene,  for  the  purpose 
of  investing  the  Master  elect  with  the 
Characteristics  of  the  Chair. 

At  this  convocation  there  should  be  present 
at  least  three  regularly-installed  Masters  or 
Past  Masters.  None  but  regularly-installec 
Masters  and  Past  Masters  of  Wari-antec 
Lodges  are  entitled  to  b^  present  at  these 
ceremonies ;  Chapter  Past  Masters,  who  have 
never  presided  over  a  Symbolic  Lodge,  are 
not  entitled  to  be  present. 

The  Master  elect  is  then  obligated  to  the 
faithful  performai  :e  of  his  trust,  solemnly 
inducted  into  the  Oriental  Chair  of  King 
Solomon,  and  invested  with  the  characteristics 
of  the  Chair. 

When  more  convenient,  these  ceremonies 
may  be  performed  after  the  Installation 
Ceremonies,  and  when,  by  reason  of  the 
non-attendance  of  a  sufficient  number  of 
Masters  or  Past  Masters,  or  other  good  cause, 
't  becomes   impracticable  to    perform   these 


158  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

ceremonies  prior  to,  or  upon,  the  day  of 
installation,  they  may  be  attended  to  at  the 
earliest  ronvenient  time  practicable  thereafter, 
it  is  not  to  be  understood  that  the  above 
ceremonies  are  considered,  in  this  Grand 
Jurisdiction,  a  necessary  pre-requisite  to  a 
Master  presiding  over  a  Symbolic  Lodge,-  but 
their  use  is  recommended  by  the  Grand  Lodge. 

INSTALLATION  CEREMONIES. 

The  time  for  Installation  having  arrived, 
the  jewels  of  the  several  officers  art  collected, 
and  laid  in  an  orderly  manner  upon  the  Altar, 
for  convenient  use. 

The  Grand  Master  [or  Installing  Officer'] 
then  says: 

Right  Worshipful  Deputy  [or  Brother 
Marshal]  :  H  e  you  carefully  examined  the 
Master  nominated  in  the  Warrant  [or  elect], 
and  do  you  find  him  well  skilled  in  the  noble 
science  and  th     jyal  art  ? 

The  Deputy  [or  Marshal]  replies  : 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master  [or 
Worshipful  Master]:  I  have  carefully 
examined,  and  so  find  him. 

G,  M.  [or  /.  6>.]  You  will  then  present 
him  at  the  pedestal  [or  altar]  for  installation. 


rNSTALLA^ION -LOD3E,  159 

The  Deputy  [or  Marshal],  taking  the 
Master  elect,  presents  him  at  the  pedestal  [or 
altar],  saying : 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master  [or 
Worshipful  Master]  :  I  present  my  worthy 
Brother,  A.  B.,  to  be  installed  Master  o^  this 
[new]  Lodge.  I  find  him  to  be  of  good 
morals,  and  of  great  skill,  true  and  trusty; 
and  as  he  is'  a  lover  of  the  Fraternity,  I  doubt 
not  he  will  discharge  his  duties  with  fidelity 
and  with  honor. 

The  Grajid  Master  [or  Instatling-  Officer'] 
then  addresses  him  : 

Brother :  Previous  to  your  investiture,  it 
is  necessary  that  you  should  signify  your 
assent  to  those  Ancient  Charges  and  Regula- 
tions which  point  out  the  duty  of  a  Master  of 
a  Lodge. 

The  Grand  Master  [or  Installing  Officer] 
then  reads  a  summary  of  the  Ancient  Charges 
to  the  Master  elect,  as  follows  : 

I.  You  agree  to  be  a  good  man  and  true, 
and  strictly  to  obey  the  moral  law.'' 
Ans.     I  do. 


l6o  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

II.  You  agree  to  be  a  peaceable  citizen,  and 
cheerfully  to  conform  to  the  laws  of  the 
country  in  which  you  reside  ? 

Ans.    I  do. 

III.  You  promise  not  to  be  concerned  in 
plots  and  conspiracies  against  the  govern- 
ment, but  patiently  to  submit  to  the  law  and 
the  constituted  authorities  ? 

Ans.     I  do. 

IV.  You  agree  to  pay  a  proper  respect  to 
the  civil  magistrates,  to  work  diligently,  live 
creditably,  and  act  honorably  by  all  men  ? 

Ans.     I  do. 

V.  You  agree  to  hold  in  veneration  the  origi- 
nal rulers  and  patrons  of  the  Order  of  Masonry, 
and  their  regular  successors,  supreme  and  sub- 
ordinate, according  to  their  stations  ;  and  to 
submit  to  the  awards  and  resolutic  is  of  your 
brethren,  in  Lodge  convened,  in  every  case  con- 
sistent with  the  Constitutions  of  the  Order? 

A7ts.     I  do. 

VI.  You  agree  to  avoid  private  piques  and 
quarrels,  and  to  guard  against  intenlperance 
and  excess  ? 


INSTALLATION— LODGE.  l6x 

A71S.     I  do. 

VII.  You  agree  to  be  cautious  in  your 
behavior,  courteous  to  your  brethren,  and 
faithful  to  your  Lodge  ? 

Ans.     I  do. 

VIII.  You  promise  to  respect  genuine 
brethren,  and  to  discountenance  impostors, 
and  all  dissenters  from  the  original  plan  of 
Masonry  ^ 

Ans.     I  do. 

IX.  You  agree  to  promote  the  general  good 
of  society,  to  cultivate  the  social  virtues,  and 
10  propagate  the  knowledge  of  the  mystic 
art? 

Ans.     I  do. 

X.  You  promise  to  pay  homage  to  the 
Grand  Master  for  the  time  being,  and  to  his 
officers  when  duly  installed ;  and  strictly  to 
conform  to  every  edict  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
or  general  Assembly  of  Masons,  that  is  not 
subversive  of  the  principles  and  ground-work 
of  Masonry? 

Ans.     I  do. 


l62  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES, 

XI.  You  admit  that  it  is  not  in  the  power 
of  any  man,  or  body  of  men,  to  make  innova- 
tions in  the  body  of  Masonry  ? 

Ans.  ■  I  do. 

XII.  You  promise  a  regular  attendance  on 
the  committees  and  communications  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  on  receiving  proper  notice ;  and 
to  pay  attention  to  all  the  duties  of  Masonry 
on  convenient  occasions? 

Ans.     I  do. 

XIII.  You  admit  that  no  new  Lodge  shall 
be  formed  without  permission  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  ;  and  that  no  countenance  be  given  to 
any  irregular  Lodge,  )r  to  .  y  person 
clandestinely  initiated  therein,  being  contrary 
to  the  Ancient  Charges  of  the  Order? 

Ans.     I  do. 

XIV.  You  admit  that  no  person  can  be 
regularly  made  a  Mason  in,  or  admitted  a 
member  of,  any  regular  Lodge,  without 
previous  notice,  and  due  inquiry  into  his 
character  ? 

Ans.    I  do. 


INSTALLATION— LODGE.  l6j 

XV.  You  agree  that  no  visitors  shall  be 
received  into  your  Lodge  without  due  examin- 
ation, and  producing  proper  vouchers  of  their 
having  been  initiated  into  a  regular  Lodge? 

A71S.     I  do. 

These  are  the  Regulations  of  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons. 

The  Grand  Master  [or  Installing-  Officer'\ 
then  addresses  the  Master  elect  as  follows : 

Do  you  submit  to  these  Charges,  and 
promise  to  support  these  Regulations,  as 
Masters  have  done  in  au  ages  before  you.'' 

The  Master  having  signified  his  cordial 
submission,  as  before,  the  Grand  Master  [or 
Installing  Ojfficer']  thus  addresses  him  : 

Brother  A.  B.:  In  consequence  of  your 
conformity  to  the  Charges  and  Regulations 
of  the  Order,  you  are  now  to  be  installed 
Master  of  this  Lodge,  in  full  confidence  of 
your  care,  skill  and  capacity  to  govern  the 
same. 

The  Master  is  then  regularly  invested  with 
the  insignia  of  his  office,  and  the  Furniture 
and  Implements  of  his  Lodge.  The  \arious 
Implements  of  his  profession  are  emblem  atical 


l64  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

of  our  conduct  in  lire,  and  upon  this  occasion 
are  carefully  enumerated. 

The  HOLY  WRITINGS,  that  great  light  in 
...asonry,  will  guide  you  to  all  truth  ;  it  will 
llrect  your  paths  to  the  temple  of  happi- 
n^^o,  and  point  out  to  you  the  whole  duty  of 
man. 

The  Square  teaches  us  to  regulate  our 
actions  by  rule  and  line,  and  to  harmonize 
our  conduct  by  the  principles  of  morality  and 
virtue. 

The  Compasses  teach  us  to  limit  our 
desires  in  every  station,  that,  rising  to 
eminence  by  merit,  we  may  live  respected  and 
die  regretted. 

The  Rule-  directs  that  we  should  punctu- 
ally observe  our  duty  :  press  iorward  in  the 
path  of  virtue,  and  neither  inclining  to  the 
right  nor  to  the  left,  in  all  our  actions  have 
eternity  in  view. 

The  Line  teaches  us  the  criterion  of  moral 
rectitude,  to  avoid  dissimulatioii  in  conversa- 
tion and  action,  and  to  direct  our  steps  to  the 
path  which  leads  to  immortality. 


INSTALLATION— LODGE. 


The  BOOK  OF  CONSTITUTIONS  you  are 
to  search  at  all  times.  Cause  it  to  be  read  in 
your  Lodge,  that  none  may  pretend  ignorance 
of  the  excellent  precepts  it  enjoins. 

You  now  receive  in  charge  the  CHARTER, 
by  the  authority  of  which  this  Lodge  is  held. 
You  are  carefully  to  preserve,  and  \a  no  case 
should  it  ever  be  out  of  your  immediate 
control,  and  duly  transmit  it  to  your  successor 
in  office. 

You  will  also  receive  in  charge  the  BY-LAWS 
of  your  Lodge,  which  you  are  to  see  carefully 
and  punctually  executed. 

You  will  now  be  conducted  to  the  East, 
where  you  will  take  your  seat  in  the  Oriental 
Chair. 

The  Grand  3Taster  [or  Installing-  Officer'] 
will  then  call  up  the  Lodge,  the  new  Master 
being  in  the  Chair,  when  the  Grand  Master 
[or  Installing  Officer']  will  say: 

Master,  behold  your  brethren ! 

Brethren,  behold  your  Master  ! 

Let  us  salute  him  with  the  Grand  Honors. 

The  Grand  Honors  are  then  given — public 
or  private— as  the  case  requires.     When  the 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 


Installation  is  private,  after  the  Grand 
Honors  are  given,  a  procession  is  formed, 
and  the  brethren  pass  around  the  Lodge, 
signifying  their  respect  and  obedience  by  the 
usual  Distinctive  Marks  in  the  different  de- 
grees as  they  pass  the  Master;  during  which 
time  the  following  Installation  Ode  may  be 
sung.  If  the  Installation  be  Public  the  pro- 
cession is  omitted,  and  the  Ode  is  sung  only. 

INSTALLATION  ODE, 

Tune:   America.  6s,  4s. 


^^m 


q=p=t 


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33 


m 


Hail!  Ma  -  son  -  ry     di-vine,  Glo-ry    of 


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t^±^=t 


:1=t; 


*3=ic=^ 


P 


A — \ — I- 


t=^ 


m. 


?3^ 


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ages  shine  ;  Long  mayst  thou  reign  !  Where'er  thy 

1 


^^^ 


^E=^ 


g 


^ 


INSTALLATION— LODGE. 


167 


^: 


3EF 


^i^ 


o 


Lodges  stand,  May  they  have  great  command, 


m^ 


*=^=jE=ti: 


1 t^-t- 


And  al-\vavs  grace  the  land  ;  Thou  art  divine. 


■0-     -^0-  M  •0-'-0-0-  ^  ■*-•♦-        M 


Great  fabrics  still  arise, 
And  grace  the  azure  skies- 
Great  are  thy  schemes; 
Thy  noble  orders  are 
Matchless  beyond  compare^ 
No  art  with  thee  can  share; 
Thou  art  divine. 


-68  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

Hiram,  the  architect, 
Did  all  the  Craft  direct 

How  they  should  build; 
Sol'mon,  great  Israel's  king; 
Did  mighty  blessings  bring, 
And  left  us  room  to  sing. 

Hail,  Royal  Art! 

After  the  singing  of  the  Ode,  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter [or  Installing  Officer']  calls  the  Lodge  to 
order,  and  the  other  officers  are  respectively 
presented  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Master, 
by  the  Deputy  [or  Marshal] ,  when  the  Grand 
Master  [or  Installing  Officer^  delivers  to 
each  a  short  Charge,  as  follows: 

The  Senior  Warden. 

Brother  C.  D.:  You  are  appointed  [or 
*'have  been  elected"]  Senior  Warden  of  this 
Lodge,  and  are  now  invested  with  the  insignia 
of  your  office. 

The  Level  demonstrates  that  we  are  de- 
scended from  the  same  stock,  partake  of  the 
same  nature,  and  share  the  same  hope;  and 
tliough  distinctions  among  m-^n  are  necessary 


INSTALLATION— LODGE.  i6(J 

to  preserve  subordination,  yet  no  eminence  of 
station  should  make  us  forget  that  we  are 
brethren;  for  he  who  is  placed  on  the  lowest 
spoke  of  Fortune's  wheel  may  be  entitled  to 
our  regard;  because  a  time  will  come,  and  the 
wisest  knows  not  how  soon,  when  all  distinc- 
tions, but  that  of  goodness,  shall  cease;  and 
Death,  the  grand  levelerof  human  greatness, 
reduce  us  to  the  same  state. 

Your  regular  attendance  on  our  stated  meet- 
ings is  essentially  necessary.  In  the  absence 
of  the  Master,  you  are  to  govern  this  Lodge; 
in  his  presence,  you  are  to  assist  him  in  the 
government  of  it.  I  firmly  rely  on  your 
knowledge  of  Masonry  and  attachment  to 
the  Lodge  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the 
duties  of  this  important  trust.  Look  well  to 
the  West. 

He  is  conducted  to  his  station  in  the  Lodge. 

The  Junior  Warden. 

Brother  E.  F.:  You  are  appointed  [or  "have 
been  elected"]  Junior  Warden  of  this  Lodge, 


,^Q  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES.. 

and  are  now  invested  with  tlie  badge  of  your 
office. 

Tlie  Plumb  admonishies  us  to  walk  uprightly 
in  our  several  stations;  to  hold  the  scales  of 
Justice  in  equal  poise;  to  observe  the  just 
medium  between  intemperance  and  pleasure; 
and  to  make  our  passions  and  prejudices  coin- 
cide with  the  line  of  our  duty.  To  you  is 
committed  the  superintendence  of  the  Craft 
during  the  hours  of  refreshment;  it  is,  there- 
fore, indispensably  necessaiy  that  you  should 
not  only  be  temperate  and  discreet  in  the  in- 
dulgence of  your  own  inclinations,  but  care- 
fully observe  that  none  of  the  Craft  be  suf- 
fered to  convert  the  purposes  of  refreshment 
into  intemperance  and  excess.  Your  regular 
and  punctual  attendance  is  particularly  re- 
quested, and  I  have  no  doubt  that  you  will 
faithfully  execute  the  duty  which  you  owe  to 
your  present  appointment.  Look  well  to  the 
South, 

He  is  conducted  to  his  station. 


INSTALLATION— LODGE.  171 

The  Treasurer. 

Brother  G.  H.:  You  are  appointed  [or  "have 
been  elected"]  Treasurer  of  this  Lodge,  and 
are  now  invested  with  the  badge  of  your  office. 

It  is  your  duty  to  receive  all  moneys  from 
the  hands  of  the  Secretary;  keep  just  and 
regular  accounts  of  the  same,  and  pay  them 
out  by  order  of  the  Worshipful  Master  and 
the  consent  of  the  Lodge.  I  trust  your  regard 
for  the  Fraternity  will  prompt  you  to  the  faith- 
ful discharge  of  the  duties  of  your  office. 

He  is  conducted  to  his  place. 

The  Secretary. 

Brother  L  K.:  You  are  appointed  [or  "have 
been  elected"]  Secretary  of  this  Lodge,  and 
are  now  invested  with  the  badge  of  your  office. 

It  is  your  duty  to  observe  all  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  Lodge;  make  a  fair  record  of  all 
things  proper  to  be  written;  receive  all  moneys 
due  tlie  Lodge,  and  pay  them  over  to  the 
Treasurer.  Your  good  inclination  to  Masonry 
and  this  Lodge,  I  hope,  will  induce  you  to  dis- 


172  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

charge  the  duties  of  your  office  with  fidelity, 
and,  by  so  doing,  you  will  merit  the  esteem 
and  applause  of  your  brethren. 
He  is  conducted  to  his  place. 

The  Chaplain. 

(According  to  the  Constitution  of  Kansas 
this  is  not  a  recognized  officer  of  a  Lodge,  but 
if  a  Clergyman  be  named  to  perform  the  vari- 
ous offices  required  of  a  Chaplain  in  the  Ritual, 
he  may  be  installed  as  follows:) 

Rev.  Brother  L.  M.:  You  are  appointed 
Chaplain  of  this  Lodge,  and  are  now  invested 
with  the  badge  of  your  office. 

It  is  your  duty  to  perform  those  solemn  ser- 
vices which  we  should  constantly  render  to 
our  Infinite  Creator;  and  which,  when  offered 
by  one  whose  holy  profession  is  *'to  point  to 
heaven,  and  lead  the  way,"  may,  by  refining 
our  souls,  strengthening  our  virtues,  and  puri- 
fying our  minds,  prepare  us  for  admission  into 
the  society  of  those  above,  whose  happiness 
will  be  as  endless  as  it  is  perfect. 

He  is  conducted  to  his  place. 


INSTALLATION— LODGE.  I75 

The  Senior  andjiuiior  Deacons. 

Brothers  L.  M.  and  N.  O.:     You  are  ap- 
pointed Deacons  of  this  Lodge,  and  are  now  ' 
invested  with  the  badge  of  your  office. 

It  is  your  province  to  attend  on  the  Master 
and  Wardens,  and  to  act  as  their  proxies  in 
the  active  duties  of  the  Lodge;  such  as  in  the 
reception  of  candidates  into  the  different  de- 
grees of  Masonry,  the  introduction  and  ac- 
commodation of  visitors,  and  in  the  immediate 
practice  of  our  rites.  The  Square  and  Com- 
passes, as  badges  of  your  office,  I  intrust  to 
your  care,  not  doubting  your  vigilance  and 
attention. 

They  are  conducted  to  their  places. 

The  Senior  and  Junior  Stezvards. 

Brothers  R.  S.  and  T.  U. :  You  are  appointed 
Stewards  of  this  Lodge,  and  are  now  invested 
with  the  badge  of  your  office. 

You  are  to  assist  the  Deacons  and  other 
officers  in  performing  their  respective  duties- 


174  hncient  ceremonies. 

'Vour  regular  and  early  attendance   at  our 
meetings  will  afford  the  best  proof  of  your 
zeal  and  attachment  to  the  Lodge. 
They  are  conducted  to  their  places. 

The  Tyler. 

Brother  V.  W.:  You  are  appointed  Tyler  of 
this  Lodge,  and  I  invest  you  with  the  imple- 
ment of  your  oifice.     {Giving  a  sword) . 

As  the  sword  is  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
Tyler,  to  enable  h.im  effectually  to  guard 
against  the  approach  of  cowans  and  eaves- 
droppers, and  suffer  none  to  pass  or  repass 
but  such  as  are  duly  qualified,  so  it  should 
admonish  us  to  set  a  guard  over  our  thoughts, 
a  watch  at  our  lips,  post  a  sentinel  over  our 
actions;  thereby  preventing  the  approach  of 
every  unworthy  thought  or  deed,  and  pre- 
serving consciences  void  of  offense  toward 
God  and  toward  man.  Your  early  and  punct- 
ual attendance  will  afford  the  best  proof  of 
your  zeal  for  the  institution. 

He  is  conducted  to  his  station. 


INSTALLATION— LObaE.  I7J 

CHARGES  TO  THE  OFFICERS. 

Worshipful  Master:  The  Grand  Lodge 
having  committed  to  your  care  the  superin- 
tendence and  government  of  the  brethren 
who  are  to  compose  this  Lodge,  you  cannot 
be  insensible  of  the  obligations  which  devolve 
on  you  as  their  head,  nor  of  your  responsi- 
bility for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  im- 
portant duties  annexed  to  your  appointment. 
The  honor,  reputation  and  usefulness  of  your 
Lodge  will  materially  depend  on  the  skill  and 
assiduity  with  which  you  manage  its  concerns; 
while  the  happiness  of  its  members  will  be 
generally  promoted,  in  proportion  to  the  zeal 
and  ability  with  which  you  propagate  the 
genuine  principles  of  our  institution. 

For  a  pattern  of  imitation,  consider  the 
great  luminary  of  Nature,  which,  rising  in 
the  East,  regularly  diffuses  light  and  luster 
to  all  within  the  circle.  In  like  manner,  it  is 
your  province  to  spread  and  communicate  light 
and  instruction  to  the  brethren  of  your  Lodge. 
Forcibly  impress  upon  them  the  dignity  and 


176  ANCIENT  CEREA\ONIES. 

high  importance  of  Masonry ;  and  serious!]' 
admonish  them  never  to  disgrace  it.  Charge 
them  to  practice  out  of  the  Lodge  those  duties 
which  they  have  been  taught  in  it ;  and  by 
amiable,  discreet  and  virtuous  conduct,  to 
convince  mankind  of  tlie  goodness  of  the  in- 
stitution ;  so  that  when  a  person  is  said  to  be 
a  member  of  it,  the  world  may  know  that  he 
is  one  to  whom  the  burdened  heart  may  pour 
out  its  sorrows ;  to  whom  distress  may  prefer 
its  suit;  whose  hand  is  guided  by  justice, 
and  whose  heart  is  expanded  by  benevolence. 
In  short,  by  a  diligent  observance  of  the  By- 
Laws  of  your  Lodge,  the  Constitutions  of 
Masonry,  and,  above  all,  the  Holy  Scriptures, 
which  are  given  as  a  rule  and  guide  to  your 
faith,  you  will  be  enabled  to  acquit  yourself 
with  honor  and  reputation,  and  lay  up  a 
Crown  of  Rejoicing,  which  shall  continue, 
when  time  shall  be  no  more. 

Brother  Senior  and  Junior  Wardens :  You 
are  too  well  acquainted  with  the  principles  of 
Masonry,  to  warrant  any  distrust  that  you 
will  be  found  wanting  in  the  discharge  of 


INSTALLATION  — LODGE.  177 

your  respective  duties.  Suffice  it  to  say,  tliat 
what  you  have  seen  praiseworthy  in  others, 
you  should  carefully  imitate;  and  what  in 
them  may  have  appeared  defective,  you 
should  in  yourselves  amend.  You  should  be 
examples  of  good  order  and  regularity ;  for  it 
is  only  by  a  due  regard  to  the  laws,  in  your 
own  conduct,  that  you  can  expect  obedience 
to  them  from  others.  You  are  assiduously  to 
assist  the  Master  in  the  discharge  of  his 
trust;  diffusing  light  and  imparting  knowl- 
edge to  all  whom  he  shall  place  under  your 
care.  In  the  absence  of  the  Master,  you  will 
succeed  to  higher  duties;  your  acquirements 
r.List,  therefore,  be  such,  as  that  the  Craft 
may  never  suffer  for  want  of  proper  instruc- 
tion. From  the  spirit  which  you  have  hither- 
to evinced,  I  entertain  no  doubt  that  your  fu- 
ture conduct  will  be  such  as  to  merit  the 
applause  of  your  brethren  and  the  testimony- 
of  a  good  conscience. 

The  members  of  the  Lodge  all  standing,  the 
Grand  Master  (or  Installing  Officer)  delivers 
the  following : 


J7«l  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  BRETHREN  OF  THE  DODGE. 

Such  is-the  nature  of  our  constitution,  that 
as  some  must,  of  necessity,  rule  and  teach, 
so  others  must,  of  course,  learn  to  submit  and 
obey.  Humility,  in  both,  is  an  essential 
duty.  The  officers  who  are  appointed  to  gov- 
ern your  Lodge  are  sufficiently  conversant 
with  the  rules  of  propriety,  and  the  laws  of 
the  institution,  to  avoid  exceeding  the  powers 
with  which  they  are  intrusted ;  and  you  are 
of  too  generous  dispositions  to  envy  their 
preferment.  I,  therefore,  trust  that  you  will 
have  but  one  aim,  to  please  each  other,  and 
unite  in  the  grand  design  of  being  happy  and 
communicating  happiness. 

Finally,  my  brethren,  as  this  association 
has  been  formed  and  perfected  in  so  much 
unanimity  and  concord,  in  which  we  greatly 
rejoice,  so  may  it  long  continue.  May  you 
long  enjoy  every  satisfaction  and  delight, 
which  disinterested  friendship  can  afford. 
May  kindness  and  brotherly  affection  dis- 
tinguish your  conduct,  as  men  and  as  Masons. 


INSTALLATION  —  LODGE,  179 

Within  your  peaceful  walls,  may  your  chil- 
dt'in's  children  celebrate  with  joy  and  grati- 
tude the  annual  recurrence  of  this  auspicious 
solemnity.  And  may  the  tenets  of  our  pro- 
fession be  transmitted  through  your  Lodge, 
pure  and  unimpaired,  from  generation  to  gen- 
eration. 

At  the  Installation  of  the  Officers  of  a  new 
Lodge,  the  Grand  Marshal  then  makes  the 
following  Proclamation  : 

In  the  name  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand 
Lodge  of  Ancient,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons 
of  Kansas,  I  proclaim  this  new  Lodge  by  the 

name  of  Lodge,  No .— , 

legally  consecrated,  dedicated  and  constituted, 
and  the  officers  thereof  duly  installed. 

The  Grand  Honors  —  public  or  private,  as 
required  —  are  then  given. 

At  the  Annual  Installation  of  the  officers  of  a 
Lodge,  the  Marshal  makes  the  following 
Proclamation  : 

In  the  name  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand 
Lodge  of  Ancient,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons 
of  Kansas,  I  proclaim  the  officers  of 


i8o 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIE«» 


Lodge,  No ,  duly  installed. 

The  Grand  Honors  —  public  or  private,  as 
required, —  are  then  given. 

The  following,  or  some  other  approprial-i 
Ode  may  then  be  sung  : 


ODE. 

Tune:  Italian  Hymn.  6s,  4s. 


long  pre-vail,  And  bind  us  fast ;  May  harmo- 
E5lfcf=i=|C 


m 


:^=t 


U 


t=t=t 


m 


INSTALLATION  —  LODOc. 


l8l 


m 


-\ \ ^-  -^ — — N— i 

-J — — • 5-  -S—i-d 


^ 


ny   and  peace  Our  hap  -  pi-ness  in-crease, 


Jl3Z|iZZlL 


*:^:|c=^: 


vz± 


t=t 


2=± 


We  on  the  level  meet, 
And  every  brother  greet, 

Skilled  in  our  art; 
And  when  our  labor's  past, 
Each  brother's  hand  we'll  grasp, 
Then  on  the  square,  at  last, 

Friendly  we'll  part. 


»82  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

3 
May  Wisdom  be  our  care, 
And  Virtue  form  tlie  square 

By  wliich  we  live ; 
That  we  at  last  may  join 
The  heavenly  Lodge  sublime, 
Where  we  shall  perfect  shine, 

With  God  above. 

The  new  Master  may  return  thanks. 
The  Grand  Chaplain  then  pronounces   the 
following,  or  some  other  appropriate 

BENEDICTION. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  from  whom 
Cometh  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  send 
down  upon  Thy  servants  here  assembled  the 
healthful  spirit  of  Thy  grace ;  that  they  may 
truly  please  Thee  in  all  their  doings.  Grant, 
O  Lord,  power  of  mind  and  great  under- 
standing unto  those  whom  we  have  this  day 
clothed  with  authority  to  preside  over  and 
direct  the  affairs  of  this  Lodge ;  and  so  re- 
plenish them  with  the  truth  of  Thy  doctrine, 
and  adorn  them  with  humility  of  life,  that, 


-NST/vi-LATION  — GRAND  LODGE.  183 

both  by  word  and  good  example,  they  may 
faithfully  serve  Thee,  to  the  glory  of  Thy 
Holy  Name,  and  to  the  advancement,  for  all 
good  purposes,  of  our  beloved  institution. 

Amen ! 

Response :     So  mote  it  be  ! 

This  concludes  the  ceremonies  of  Install- 
ation. 

If  it  be  the  Public  Installation  of  the  Offi- 
cers of  a  new  Lodge,  the  Grand  Lodge  and 
brethren  will  return  in  procession  to  the  Lodge 
room,  and  the  Grand  Lodge  then  returns  to 
its  own  hall  and  closes. 

FOURTH  SECTION. 

INSTALLATION  OF  THE  OFFICERS  OF  THE  GRAND  LODGE. 

At  the  hour  appointed  for  the  installation  of 
the  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  Installing 
Officer  [who  is  the  retiring  Grand  Master,  or 
such  Past  Grand  Master  as  he  may  appoint] 
will  assume  the  chair,  call  to  order,  and  an- 
nounce the  business  before  the  Grand  Lodge. 
The  officers  to  be  installed  will  then  vacate 
their  places  respectively  [if  any  by  them  occu- 
pied], and  substitutes  will  be  appointed  for 
the  occasion. 


l84  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

The  Grand  Master  and  other  Grand  Officers 
elect,  to  be  installed,  will  be  in  waiting  in  the 
adjoining  apartment. 

The  announcement  of  the  Installing  Officer 
may  be  in  the  following  form  : 

Brethren :  Your  Grand  Master  and  other 
Grand  Officers  for  the  ensuing  year,  having 
been  duly  elected,  we  are  now  in  readiness  to 
perform  the  ceremony  of  installation.  The 
W.  Grand  Marshal  will  announce  to  them 
that  we  are  waiting  to  receive  them. 

The  Grand  Marshal  \\\tnxtWrQ.s,  and  on  his 
return  reports : 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master:  The 
Grand  Master  and  other  Grand  Officers  elect 
are  without,  in  readiness  to  be  installed  into 
office,  when  it  is  your  pleasure  to  receive 
them. 

Installing  Offi,cer.  The  W.  Grand  Marshal 
will  admit  them,  and  conduct  them  to  the 
Grand  East  before  the  altar. 

Should  there  be  any  objection  to  the  in- 
stallation of  any  or  either  of  them,  it  must 
now  be  made. 

As  they  enter  the  room,  the  Grand  Lodge  is 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND   LODGE.  185 

called  up  by  the  Installing  Officer  in  the  usual 
manner,  and  remain  standing. 

The  Grand  Marshal  conducts  them  to  the 
altar  in  procession,  two  and  two,  in  order  ot 
rank,  the  Grand  Master  elect  and  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master  being  first.    He  then  says : 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master:  The 
Grand  Officers  elect  are  before  you,  and 
await  your  pleasure.  I  have  the  honor  to 
present  to  you  for  installation  R.  W.  Brother 
A.  B.,  who  has  been  duly  elected  Grand 
Master  of  Ancient,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons 
of  Kansas  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Installing  Officer.  [To  the  Grand  Master' 
elect.]  My  R.  W.  Brother:  The  exalted 
station  to  which  the  free  choice  of  your  Breth- 
ren has  called  you,  involves  great  responsi- 
bilities, and  requires  to  be  inaugurated  by 
solemn  sanctions.  It  elevates  you  to  a  posi- 
tion from  which  the  power  and  prerogative 
may  depart  with  the  expiration  of  your  term 
of  service,  but  the  honor  and  dignity,  except 
by  your  own  act,  never. 

And  as  we  are  now  upon  the  threshold  of  a 


l86  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

great  and  important  undertaking,  Masonic 
teacliings  require  tliat  we  sliould  bow  in  sol- 
emn prayer  witli  our  W.  Grand  Cliaplain. 

Grand  Chaplain.     Bretliren,  let  us  pray. 

Tlie  Grand  Chaplain  may  then  make  an  ap- 
propriate extemporaneous  prayer,  or  use  the 
following : 

Eternal  Source  of  Life  and  Light!  We, 
Thine  unworthy  creatures,  reverently  bow  be- 
fore Thee  in  adoration  and  praise.  As  when 
we  first  saw  the  light  at  our  mystic  altar,  we 
first  implored  Thy  guidance,  protection,  and 
aid,  so  now  we  seek  Thee  for  Thy  divine 
blessing  and  direction.  In  Thy  might  we  are 
strong,  and  without  Thee,  in  our  best  and 
highest  estate,  we  are  but  frail  and  feeble  be- 
ings. We  humbly  implore  Thy  divine  favor 
upon  this  occasion,  and  upon  the  institution 
in  whose  services  we  are  now  engaged. 
Make  it  yet  more  helpful  and  beneficial  to  our 
race,  and  inspire  all  who  are  connected  with 
it  with  an  ardent  love  to  Thee,  to  each  other, 
and  to  every  member  of  the  human  family. 
Bless  now  Thy  servant  before  Thee,  who  is 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND  LODGE.  187 

about  to  assume  a  new  and  important  relation 
to  his  bretiiren.  Give  him  wisdom ;  give 
him  strength  ;  give  him  love.  Enable  him  so 
to  bear  rule  that  he  may  keep  in  view  the 
best  interests  of  the  great  brotherhood  now 
about  to  be  committed  to  his  charge.  Teach 
him  to  feel  that  he  is  about  to  assume  great 
and  trying  responsibilities,  and  enable  him  so 
to  discharge  them  as  to  win  all  hearts.  Add 
Thy  blessing  upon  the  brethren  who  are  to  be 
associated  with  him  in  office.  May  they  feel 
a  just  sense  of  their  accountability  to  Thee 
and  to  the  Fraternity ;  and  may  they  ever  be 
faithful  and  zealous,  and  assist  to  uphold  the 
hands  of  their  chief  in  all  good  deeds.  In 
Thee,  Oh  God,  as  in  the  days  of  our  appren- 
ticeship, do  we  put  our  trust.  Be  Thou  our 
faithful  Friend,  Conductor,  and  Guide,  in  the 
unseen  vicissitudes  of  life  before  us,  and 
bring  us  all,  at  last,  to  see  the  Great  Light, 
inaccessible  and  full  of  glory,  in  Thy  pres- 
ence, where  we  shall  behold  Thee  with  un- 
clouded vision  forevermore.  Amen ! 
Response  :    So  mote  if  be  ! 

-I  J 


l88  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

Installing  Officer,  W.  Grand  Marshal,  yob 
will  conduct  our  R.  W.  Brother  to  the  altar, 
to  take  upon  himself  the  obligation  appertain- 
ing to  the  duties  of  his  office. 

The  Grand  Marshal  conducts  him  to  the 
altar,  where  he  kneels,  the  acting  Grand  Dea- 
cons holding  their  rods  crossed  over  his  head. 
The  Installing  Officer  then  administers  the 
oath  of  oftke,  the  Grand  Master  elect  repeating 
after  him,  as  follows: 

I,  A.  B.,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God, 
and  before  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge 
of  Ancient,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  of 
Kansas,  do  promise  and  swear,  that,  to  the 
best  of  my  ability,  I  will  faithfully,  honestly, 
and  impartially  perform  the  duties  of  Grand 
Master  of  Ancient,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons 
in  this  jurisdiction  during  my  term  of  office ; 
and  that  I  will  conform  to  and  maintain  the 
Constitution,  Laws,  Rules,  and  Regulations 
of  The  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of 
Kansas,  and  the  usages  and  customs  of  Free 
and  Accepted  Masons,  and  at  all  times  en- 
force a  strict  obedience  thereto.  So  help  me 
God. 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND  LODGE.       .  i8g 

He  then  rises,  and  the  Grand  Marshal  con- 
ducts him  near  the  chair  of  the  Installing 
Officer. 

Installing  Officer,  Most  Worshipful  Broth- 
er [for  from  henceforth  you  are  entitled  thus 
to  be  hailed] :  In  inducting  you  to  your  chair 
of  office,  as  a  symbol  of  the  commencement 
of  your  government  over  the  Craft,  I  am  per- 
forming a  most  solemn  duty.  By  immemorial 
usage  and  the  irrevocable  land  marks  of  Ma- 
sonry,'you  are  invested,  as  Grand  Master  of 
Masons,  with  powers  and  prerogatives  which 
are  well  nigh  absolute.  The  interests  of  the 
Craft,  for  weal  or  woe,  are  placed  in  your 
hands  during  your  term  of  office.  The  good 
resolutions,  which  I  doubt  not  that  you  have 
formed  in  your  own  mind  that  these  powers 
shall  not  be  abused  or  perverted  by  you,  I 
would  gladly  strengthen  by  a  word  of  admo- 
nition, which  it  will  not  become  me  henceforth 
to  utter.  The  very  consciousness  of  the  pos- 
session of  a  great  power  will  ever  make  a 
generous  mind  cautious  and  gentle  in  its  ex- 
ercise.    To  rule  has  been  the  lot  of  many, 


igo  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

and  requires  neither  strength  of  intellect  or 
soundness  of  judgment ;  to  rule  well  has  been 
the  fortune  of  but  few,  and  may  well  be  the 
object  of  an  honorable  ambition.  It  is  not 
by  the  strong  arm  or  the  iron  will  that  obedi- 
ence and  order,  the  chief  requisites  of  good 
government,  are  secured,  but  by  holding  the 
key  to  the  hearts  of  men. 

The  office  of  Grand  Master  is  of  great  an- 
tiquity and  respect,  and  is  one  of  the  highest 
dignities  to  which  we  may  aspire.  Its  in- 
cumbent, to  rule  well,  should  possess  and 
practice  several  important  requisites. 

As  a  Man,  he  should  be  of  approved  in- 
tegrity and  irreproachable  morals;  freed 
from  the  dominion  of  a  hasty  temper  and  ill- 
governed  passions;  of  good  repute  in  the 
world,  and  practicing,  as  an  example  to  the 
Craft,  the  cardinal  virtues  of  Temperance, 
Fortitude,  Prudence,  and  Justice. 

As  a  Citizen,  he  should  be  loyal  to  his  gov- 
ernment, obedient  to  its  laws,  prompt  in  the 
duties  he  owes  to  society,  and  a  pattern  of  fi- 
delity in  all  social  and  domestic  relations. 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND   LODGE.  igi 

As  a  Mason,  he  should  cling  to  the  old  land- 
marks, and  be  sternly  opposed  to  their  in- 
fringement; be  a  proficient  in  the  laws,  lan- 
guage, and  literature  of  the  Fraternity ;  be  de- 
sirous to  learn,  and  apt  to  teach  ;  though  not 
for  a  time  a  workman,  yet  be  master  of  the 
work,  and  qualified  to  earn  his  wages  ;  be 
prompt  to  aid  and  relieve,  and  slow  to  demand 
it;  be  ever  mindful  that,  though  elevated  for 
a  time  above  his  fellows,  that  he  is  elevated 
by  them,  and  that  he  is  yet  a  Craftsman, 
more  sacredly  bound  by  a  Craftsman's  obli- 
gation ;  and  that  he  should  cultivate  every- 
where, and  at  all  times,  the  golden  tenets  of 
Brotherly  Love,  Relief,  and  Truth. 

As  an  Officer,  he  should  remember,  first  of 
all,  that  he  is  an  individual  Mason,  sharing 
in  that  respect  a  common  lot  with  his  Breth- 
ren, and  therefore  interested  in  the  welfare  of 
each  and  all ;  be  devoid  of  undue  ostentation 
and  haughty  overbearing,  be  accessible  to  all, 
cultivating  the  closest  friendship  and  the  most 
unlimited  confidence  with  his  associate  offi- 
cers* be  eager  to  take  counsel  with  his  Breth- 


192  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

ren,  and  ready  to  give  it ;  be  patient  in  inves- 
tigation and  hearing ;  be  deliberate  in  judg- 
ment ;  be  prompt  in  execution  ;  be  forbearing 
long  and  much  with  evildoers ;  be  ready  to 
reward  good ;  be  devoid  of  favoritism,  and 
wholly  impartial ;  be  watchful  over  the  treas- 
ury; having  an  eagle  eye  upon  every  portion 
of  his  jurisdiction  ;  and  breasting  over  the 
lestless  spirit  of  innovation. 

Such  are  some  of  the  most  important  quali- 
fications which  a  Grand  Master  should  pos- 
sess, and  the  leading  errors  which  he  should 
avoid.  It  may  be  that  most,  if  not  all,  of 
your  predecessors  have  failed  to  reach  this 
standard  ;  but  it  is  attainable  ;  and  be  it  your 
purpose  to  reach  it,  and  be  a  bright  and  shin.- 
ing  example  to  those  who  shall  come  after 
you. 

It  now  but  remains  for  me  to  clothe  you 
with  the  external  insignia  of  your  rank  and 
authority. 

I  now,  with  great  pleasure,  invest  you  with 
this  jewel  of  your  office,  whose  symbolic  mean- 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND   LODGE.  193 

ing  will  now  have  a  new  and  striking  signifi- 
cance to  you.     [Presents  the  jewel.} 

1  also  present -you  with  this  gavel,  as  the 
potent  emblem  of  Masonic  power,  which,  in 
your  hands,  should  never  be  sounded  in  vain. 
[Presents  gavel.} 

1  now  surrender  to  you  this  seat  of  authority 
[Places  him  in  the  chair},  and  render  you  this, 
the  first  act  of  homage  due  to  you  as  Grand 
Master. 

The  Grand  Master,  having  been  covered  on 
taking  the  chair,  the  Installing  Officer  uncovers 
and  bows  very  low. 

Installing  Officer.  I  now  hail,  salute  and 
proclaim  you  Grand  Master  of  Ancient,  Free 
and  Accepted  Masons  of  Kansas  !  Brethren, 
behold  your  Grand  Master  ! 

Grand  Senior  Warden.  Brethren,  behold 
our  Grand  Master ! 

Grand  Junior  Warden.  Brethren,  behold 
our  Grand  Master ! 

The  brethren  form  procession  on  the  north 
side  of  the  lodge,  double  file,  facing  the  East, 


*94 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 


the  Grand  Senior  Deacon  and  Grand  Senior 
and  Junior  Stewards,  with  rods,  in  advance, 
and  march  three  times  around  the  lodge,  as 
they  pass  the  Grand  East,  saluting  the  Grand 
Master  with  the  usual  distinctive  marks  in 
each  degree,  during  which  time  the  following 
Ode  may  be  sung  : 

INSTALLATION  ODE> 

Tune:  America.  6s,  4s, 


I 


&3=EEi 


T=T 


SEt3 


Hail !  Ma  -  son  -  ry     di-vine,  Glo-ry    of 


m 


^ 


:N=i=N=)E 


t=^ 


1 — I — I- 


^^^^fe&^^ 


^     -0-    -^    -»- 

ages  shine  ;  Long  mayst  thou  reign  !  Where'er  thy 


^ 


^p:* 


I     '     1 


-'5'-^ 


INSTALLATION— GRAND   LODGE. 


195 


^m^i^i^t^ 


Lodges  stand,  May  they  have  great  command, 


-f^ 


>=Pt 


m 


^ 


|i^^=|i=>=q| 


1 — ^—t 


:S^ 


J=^ 


P^i^^e; 


t±^ 


And  al-wavs  grace  the  land  ;  Thou  art  divine 

^'"^  f^  .        r:  \ 


^ 


I 


Great  fabrics  still  arise, 
And  grace  the  azure  skies- 
Great  are  thy  schemes; 
Thy  noble  orders  are 
Matchless  beyond  compare; 
No  art  with  thee  can  share; 
Thou  art  divine. 


igo  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

Hiram,  the  architect, 
Did  all  the  Craft  direct 

How  they  should  build; 
Sol'mon,  great  Israel's  king; 
Did  mighty  blessings  bring, 
And  left  us  room  to  sing, 

Hail,  Royal  Art! 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  procession  and 
Ode  the  brethren,  under  the  direction  of  the 
installing  officer,  salute  with  the  grand  hon- 
ors. 

The  retiring  Grand  Master  may  then  ad- 
dress his  newly- in  stalled  successor  and  breth- 
ren, and  the  Grand  Master  may,  if  he  chooses, 
also  address  the  Grand  Lodge.  If  he  does 
not  wish  to  do  so  he  may  call  down,  and  the 
brethren  continue  seated  during  the  remain- 
der of  the  installation,  except  as  called  up 
during  the  obligations.  It  will  be  proper  for 
the  Grand  Master  here  to  announce  the 
names  of  the  appointed  officers,  that  they  may 
be  installed  with  the  rest. 

The  installing  officer  then  proceeds  with  the 
installation  of  the  remaining  officers,  as  fol- 
lows : 

Installing  Officer,     W.  Grand  Marshal,  you 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND   LODGE.  197 

will  now  present  the  Deputy  Grand  Master 
elect  for  installation. 

Grand  Marshal.  Most  Worshipful  Broth- 
er :  I  have  the  pleasure  to  present  to  you,  for 
installation,  R.  W.  Brother  C.  D.,  who  has 
been  duly  elected  to  the  office  of  Deputy  Grand 
Master. 

The  foregoing  address  of  the  installing  of- 
ficer, and  presentation  by  the  Grand  Marshal, 
may  be  used  for  all  the  remaining  officers, 
simply  changing  the  name  and  title  of  the  of- 
ficer. 

Installing  Officer.  W.  Grand  Marshal,  you 
will  conduct  our  R*  W.  Brother  [or  W.  Broth- 
er] to  the  altar,  to  take  upon  himself  the  ob- 
ligation appertaining  to  the  duties  of  his  of- 
fice. 

The  Grand  Marshal  conducts  him  to  the  al- 
tar, when  he  kneels,  and  is  attended  by  the 
Grand  Deacons,  as  in  the  case  of  the  Grand 
Master,  and  takes  the  same  obligation,  with 
the  change  of  name  and  designation  of  office. 

Installing  Officer.  R.  W.  Brothen  You  have 
not  been  an  inattentive  observer  of  the  cere- 
mony of  installing  the  M   W.  Grand  Master ; 


xgS  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

for  you  are  aware  that,  in  case  of  his  inca- 
pacity to  act  in  contingencies  mentioned  in 
our  Constitutions,  you  succeed  to  his  duties 
and  prerogatives,  as  you  do  also  when  acting 
as  his  substitute  in  any  matters  specially 
delegated  to  you.  Your  office,  therefore,  is 
one  of  great  dignity  and  importance ;  and  it 
was  in  view  of  these  considerations  that  your 
Brethren  selected  you  to  fill  it.  Treasure  up, 
therefore,  the  suggestions  made  to  the  M.  W. 
Grand  Master ;  for  you  know  not  how  soon 
they  may  have  a  personal  application  to  you  ; 
and  remember,  also,  that  usage,  as  well  as 
our  particular  regulations,  have  placed  you  in 
most  intimate  and  confidential  relations  to 
him,  as  supporter  and  counselor. 

I  now,  with  pleasure,  proceed  to  invest  you 
with  your  jewel  of  office  [  gives  it  ]  and  pro- 
claim you  Deputy  Grand  Master  of  Ancient, 
Free  and  Accepted  Masons  of  Kansas.  You 
will  now  be  seated  in  your  place,  which  is  at 
the  right  hand  of  the  M.  W.  Grand  Master. 

He  is   now  conducted  to  his  place  by  the 


INSTALLATION— GRAND   LODGE.  199 

Grand  Marshal,  but  before  he  is  seated,  the 
Installing  Officer  calls  up  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  thelDej:uty  Grand  Master  is  saluted  with 
the  Grand  Honors. 

The  other  of  the  elective  Grand  Officers, 
viz:  the  Grand  Senior  Warden,  Grand  Junior 
Warden,  Grand  Treasurer  and  Grand  Sec- 
retary, are  presented  and  obligated  in  like 
manner  as  the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  but 
without  being  saluted  with  the  grand  honors. 
The  appointed  Grand  Officers  do  not  take  the 
obligation. 

The  charges  of  the  remaining  officers  in- 
stalled [which  may  be  varied  at  the  pleasure 
of  the  Installing  Officer,  when  special  occas- 
ion requires,]  are  as  follows  : 

TO  THE  GRAND  SENIOR  WARDEN. 

Right  Worshipful  Brother :  The  position 
which  you  occupy  in  the  Grand  Lodge  and 
among  the  Fraternity  is  one  of  no  little  im- 
portance. In  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  control 
practically  the  admission  of  all  visitors,  to 
announce  specially  those  who  are  of  rank  or 
eminence,  and  to  aid  in  the  preservation  of 
ordir,  and  at  all  times  to  render  counsel  and 
advice  co  the  Grand  Master,  are  high  and  re- 


200  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

sponsible  duties,  requiring  circumspection, 
vigilance,  and  reflection ;  but  when  to  these 
is  superadded  the  more  onerous  labor,  in  con- 
junction with  the  Grand.  Junior  Warden,  of 
diligently  preserving  the  ancient  landmarks 
throughout  the  jurisdiction,  it  then  becomes  a 
trust  of  deep  moment  to  the  welfare  of  the 
Craft.  Your  fitness  for  the  discharge  of  such 
a  trust  undoubtedly  led  to  your  selection  for 
the  office  by  your  Brethren,  and  it  will  be 
your  duty  and  pleasure  so  to  act  as  to  justify 
their  confidence. 

In  investing  you  with  the  jewel  of  your  of- 
fice, and  directing  you  to  the  place  of  your 
immediate  oftkial  action,  in  the  West,  I  am 
performing  a  grateful  duty. 

TO  THE  GRAND  JUNIOR  WARDEN. 

Right  Worshipful  Brother :  As  the  duties 
of  your  office  and  the  qualifications  of  it  are 
almost  identical  with  those  of  the  Grand  Sen- 
ior Warden,  except  as  it  respects  the  introduc- 
tion of  visitors,  I  will  only  add  to  the  Charge 
given  to  that  officer,  that  you  be  equally  vig- 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND  LODGE.  aot 

ilant  and  circumspect,  not  only  at  your  sta- 
tion in  the  Grand  Lodge,  but  in  the  broader 
field  of  action  without,  dividing  with  him  his 
labors,  and  taking  due  care  that  the  great 
object  of  ^'our  united  solicitude  shall  remain 
inviolate. 

Accept  the  jewel  of  your  office,  and  repair 
to  the  South,  being  ever  watchful,  whether  in 
labor  or  at  refreshment,  that  the  High  Twelve 
of  observation  do  not  find  you  with  your 
work,  and  that  of  the  Craft  you  superintend, 
unperformed. 

TO  THE   GRAND  TREASURER. 

Right  Worshipful  Brother  :  In  intrusting 
you  with  the  books  and  funds  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  as  appertaining  to  your  office,  I  am 
but  their  organ  in  placing  them  in  your  pos- 
session, as  one  well  qualified  to  keep  and 
manage  them,  as  your  past  integrity,  accu- 
racy, and  prompt  business  habits  testify,  an 
appreciation  of  which  has  been  evinced  by 
their  choice  of  you  as  Grand  Treasurer. 

The  keys  forming  the  jewel  of  your  office 
have  a  twofold  significance:    They  are  in- 


202  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

struments  to  bind  as  well  as  to  loose;  to  make 
fast,  as  well  as  to  open.  They  will  never, 
I  am  confident,  be  used  by  you  in  any  other 
manner  than  the  constitutions,  laws,  rules, 
and  regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge  shall 
direct. 

TO  THE  GRAND   SECRETARY. 

Right  Worshipful  Brother:  Usage,  as 
well  as  positive  enactments  from  time  to  time, 
have  rendered  the  duties  of  the  office  of  Grand 
Secretary  more  onerous  and  varied  than  that 
of  any  other  officer.  Brought  by  his  official 
position  more  immediately  into  communica- 
tion with  the  whole  body  of  the  Fraternity,  it 
is  requisite  that  he  should  possess  ability, 
skill,  and  industry,  to  meet  the  various  de- 
mands upon  him.  Placed  in  a  position  where 
he  holds  almost  constant  correspondence  with 
our  Masonic  brethren  of  every  State  and 
country,  upon  him  devolves,  in  a  large  degree, 
the  good  name  and  credit  of  the  Masonic  fam- 
ily of  this  State.  The  Fraternity  should  en- 
able him  to  maintain  it ;  he  should  strive  that 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND   LODGE.  203 

it  be  maintained.  Courtesy  and  patience  are 
to  be  elements  in  his  manners  and  cliaracter. 
Vigilance  and  fidelity  must  also  be  necessary 
qualities. 

Our  Constitutions,  my  Brother,  point  out 
to  you  fully  the  duties  of  your  office,  and  I 
will  not  recapitulate  them.  Your  capability  for 
their  prompt  and  faithful  execution  has  in- 
duced your  Brethren  to  confide  this  trust  to 
you,  and  I  feel  assured  that  it  is  well  placed. 

In  investing  you  with  your  official  jewel, 
the  pens,  I  am  persuaded  that  they  will  make 
an  endearing  record,  not  only  to  your  praise, 
but  to  the  welfare  of  a  Craft  so  largely  de- 
pendent upon  your  experience  and  integrity. 

TO    THE'  GRAND    CHAPLAIN. 

Reverend  and  Worshipful  Brother :  That 
Holy  Book,  which  is  the  chart  and  text-book 
of  your  sacred  calling,  is  also  the  Great 
Light  of  Masonry,  and  forever  sheds  its 
benigxiant  rays  upon  every  lawful  assem- 
blage of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons.  Teach 
us  from   its  life-giving  precepts;     intercede 

—  14 


804  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES, 

for  US  with  that  Divine  Majesty  which  it  so 
fully  reveals  and  unfolds  to  us  ;  and  warm  us 
by  its  lessons  of  infinite  wisdom  and  truth, 
and  you  will  have  faithfully  performed  your 
sacred  functions  and  fulfilled  your  important 
trust. 

It  is  fitting  that  an  emblem  of  the  sacred 
volume  should  be  the  jewel  of  your  office, 
with  which  I  now  invest  you. 

TO  THE   GRAND   DEACONS. 

Worshipful  Brothers:  As  messengers  of 
the  Grand  Officers,  and  as  useful  assistants 
in  our  ceremonies,  your  respective  official  po- 
sitions are  of  very  great  value  and  import- 
ance to  the  comfort  and  good  order  of  the 
Grand  Lodge.  Vigilance  and  zeal  are  neces- 
sary requisites  of  your  offices,  and  we  know 
that  you  possess  them. 

As  Grand  Senior  and  Junior  Deacons  of 
this  Grand  Lodge,  you  are  now  invested  with 
the  jewels  of  office,  together  with  these  rods, 
as  tokens  of  your  authority. 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND  LODGE.  205 

TO  THE    GRAND  MARSHAL. 

Worshipful  Brother;  The  duties  of  your 
office  require  energy,  activity,  and  quickness 
of  perception.  The  good  order  of  the  Fra- 
ternity, in  its  general  assemblies  and  pro- 
cessions, depends  upon  your  care,  skill  and 
assiduity.  Possessing  these  qualifications, 
you  have  been  appointed  Grand  Marshal, 
and  I  now  with  pleasure  install  you  into  office, 
and  invest  you  with  your  appropriate  jewel. 
It  denotes  command,  as  the  organ  of  the 
Grand  Master,  to  whom  you  will  be  near  at 
hand  to  execute  his  orders. 

TO  THE  GRAND    SWORD  BEARER. 

Worshipful  Brother:  The  sword  which 
you  bear  is  the  time-honored  symbol  of  Jusdce 
and  Authority.  It  reminds  the -beholder  of 
the  dignity  of  the  body  who«e  emblem  it  is. 
It  is  also  the  guardian  and  protector  of  the 
standard  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  Be  ever 
faithful  to  your  trust.  Let  this  jewel  of  your 
office  remind  you  of  its  nature. 


2o6  ANCIENT  CERE.WONIES. 

TO  THE    GRAND  STEWARDS. 

Worshipful  Brothers :  In  olden  times, 
your  province  was  to  superintend  and  provide 
for  the  festivals  of  the  Craft,  and  that  duty 
still  remains  to  you,  although  there  is  rarely 
occasion  for  its  exercise.  But  we  are  taught 
that  "it  is  better  to  go  to  the  house  of 
mourning,  than  to  the  house  of  feasting," 
and  hence  on  you  has  been  appropriately 
disposed  the  dispensation  of  our  beneficent 
charities.  That  it  is  a  grateful  duty,  all 
hearts  testify,  and  we  know  that  yours  most 
fully  responds  to  it.  Receive  the  jewels  of 
your  office,  together  with  the  white  rods. 

TO  THE  GRAND  PURSUIVANT. 

Worshipful  Brother:  You  are  to  act  as 
the  messenger  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  tha 
herald  to  announce  the  approach  of  visitors 
and  strangers.  In  so  doing,  possess  yourself 
of  the  necessary  information  to  announce 
their  rank  and  position  properly,  and  exercisi 
a  sound  discretion,  so  as  not  to  interfere  with 
its  labors.    Be  cautious  and  vigilant,  that  n<3 


INSTALLATION  — GRAND   LODGE.  20I 

Improper  person  may  gain  admittance.  You, 
also,  have  in  your  keeping  the  clothing  and 
jewels  of  the  Grand  Officers,  which  you 
should  be  careful  to  keep  in  a  good  condition, 
and  neatly  and  orderly  arranged  for  use  at  all 
times.  Receive  your  emblem  of  oifice,  and 
repair  to  your  station  inside  the  door. 

TO  THE   GRAND  TYLER. 

Worshipful  Brother:  The'  importance  of 
the  duties  of  your  place  can  not  be  overrated. 
Care  and  watchfulness  are  indispensibly  re- 
quisite, and  in  all  cases,  unless  thoroughly 
satisfied  with  the  character  and  identity  ot 
those  desiring  admittance,  let  your  doubts 
prevail.  Ours  is  a  sanctuary,  intrusted  to 
you  faithfully  and  vigilantly  to  guard,  and 
you  have  always  at  hand  the  means  of  being 
fully  satisfied.  Irreparable  injury  might  re- 
sult from  a  negligent  or  careless  discharge  of 
your  duty.  Your  station  is  ever  outside  the 
door,  and  to  which  you  will  now  repair  with 
this  jewel,  and  also  with  this  implement  of 
your  office.     ^Giving  a  Sword.'] 


2o8  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

The  several  officers  being  now  duly  in- 
stalled, proclamation  thereof  will  be  made  in 
the  following  form.  Before  doing  so,  how- 
ever, it  may  be  proper  and  expedient  to  have 
an  appropriate  Ode  or  piece  of  music. 

The  Grand  Lodge  is  called  up  when  the 
Installing  Officer  says: 

Worshipful  Grand  Marshal :  I  now  declare 
the  several  officers  of  The  Most  Worshipful 
Grand  Lodge  of  Ancient',  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons  of  Kansas  duly  installed  into  office 
forthe  ensuing  year,  in  AMPLE  FORM.  You 
will  cause  proclamation  to  be  made  in  the 
South,  West  and  East. 

The  Grand  Junior  Deacon  proclaims  in  the 
South,  the  Grand  Senior  Deacon  in  the  West, 
and  the  Grand  Marshal  in  the  Grand  East, 
each  as  follows: 

In  the  name,  and  by  the  authority,  of  the 
Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  Ancient, 
Free  and  Accepted  Masons  of  Kansas,  I 
proclaim  that  its  Grand  Officers  are  now  duly 
installed  in  AMPLE  FORM. 

After  each  proclamation,  response  by  the 
Irethren:    So  mote  it  be. 


LAYING  FCUNDATION  STONES,  209 

The  Grand  Chaplain  then  concludes  the 
ceremonies  with  an  appropriate  prayer,  or 
benediction. 

The  Grand  Lodge  is  called  down. 

FIFTH  SECTION. 
LAYING  FOUNDATION  STONES  OF  PUBLIC   STRUCTURES. 

This  Ceremony  is  conducted  by  the  Grand 
Master  and  his  officers,  assisted  by  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  such  officers 
and  members  of  Lodges  as  can  conveniently 
attend;  or  it  may  be  conducted  by  some  com- 
petent Present  or  Past  Master,  specially  au- 
thorized by  the  Grand  Master  as  a  Special 
Deputy,  w^ith  full  power  to  convene  some 
Lodge  conveniently  located,  to  which  a  Dis- 
pensation is  issued  for  that  purpose. 

The  Chief  Magistrate  and  other  civil 
officers  of  the  place  where  the  building  is  to 
be  erected,  also  generally  attend  on  the 
occasion. 

At  the  time  appointed,  the.  Grand  Lodge, 
[or  Lodge]  is  convened  in  some  suitable 
place.  A  band  of  music  is  provided,  and  the 
brethren  appear,  dressed  in  dark  clothes,  with 
white  gloves  and  aprons. 

The  Grand  Lodge  [or  Lodge]  is  opened 
by   the  Grand  Master  [or  Special  Deputy] 


8IO  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

on  the  First  Degree,  and  the  rules  for  regulat- 
ing the  procession  to  and  from  the  place 
where  the  ceremony  is  to  be  performed,  are 
read  by  the  Grand  Secretary  [or  Secretary], 
after  which  the  procession  sets  out  in  the 
following  order: 

A  Tyler  with  Drawn  Sword; 

Two  Stewards  with  rods; 

Entered  Apprentices; 

Fellow  Crafts; 

Master  Masons; 

Two  Deacons  with  rods; 

Secretaries  and  Treasurers; 

Junior  Wardens; 

Senior  Wardens; 

Masters  of  Lodges; 

Past  Masters; 

Members  of  other  branches  of  the  Masonic 

Fraternity,  in  uniform; 

Band  of  Music. 

If  the  ceremony  is  under  the  direction  of 
the  Grand  Lodge,  then  follows  the  Grand 
Lodge  arranged  in  Regular  Order  of  Proces- 
sion [see  page  132],  with  the  following  ex- 
ceptions and  additions:   the  three  Burning 


LAYING   FOUNDATION   STONES.  2l« 

Tapers  will  be  omitted;  following  the  Grand 
Pursuivant  will  come  the  Principal  Architect, 
with  Square,  Level  and  Plumb;  following  the 
Globes  will  come  the  Chief  Magistrate  and 
Civil  Oftkers  of  the  place;  the  Grand  Junior 
Warden  will  carry  the  Silver  Vessel  with  Oil, 
the  Grand  Senior  Warden,  the  Silver  Vessel 
with  Wine,  and  the  Deputy  Grand  Master 
the  Golden  Vessel  with  Corn  [Wheat.] 

If  the  Ceremony  be  under  the  dit-ection  of  a 
Lodge,  after  the  first  part  of  the  Procession  as 
herein  provided,  following  the  Band  of  Music, 
comes  the  Lodge  having  charge  of  the  cere- 
mony,arranged  in  Regular  Order  of  Procession 
[see  page  132],  with  the  following  additions 
and  exceptions:  immediately  preceding  the 
Secretary  and  Treasurer  will  march  the  Princi- 
pal Architect  with  Square,  Level  and  Plumb, 
pnd  immediately  following  the  Secretary  and 
Treasurer  will  march  the  Chief  Magistrate 
and  Civil  Officers  of  the  place,  and  the  Clergy 
and  Orator;  the  special  Deputy  Grand  Master 
will  march  after  the  Worshipful  Master;  the 
Deacons,  with  rods,  supporting  him  i nstead  of 
the  Worshipful  Master;  and  the  Junior 
Warden  will  carry  the  Silver  Vessel  with  Oil, 
the  Senior  Warden,  the  Silver  Vessel  with 
Wine,  and  the*Worshipful  Master  the  Golden 
Vessel  with  Corn  [Wheat.] 


ANClfiNT   CEREMONIES 


A  triumphal  arch  is  usually  erected  at  the 
place  where  the  ceremony  is  to  be  performed. 

The  procession,  arriving  at  the  arch,  opens 
to  the  right  and  left,  and  uncovering,  the 
Qrand  Master,  [or  Deputy  Grand  Master] 
and  his  officers,  together  with  the  Architect, 
Clergy  and  Orator,  Chief  Magistrate  and 
Civil  Officers,  pass  through  the  lines  to  the 
platform,  .while  the  rest  of  the  brethren 
surround  the  platform,  forming  a  hollow 
square. 

The    Grand    Master    [or    Deputy   Grand 
Master]  commands  silence,  and  announces 
the  purposes  of  the  occasion,  when  the  fol 
lowing,    or  some  other  appropriate  Ode  i 
3ung: 


is 


S3 


ODE. 

Tune:  Brownell.  L.  M. 

H-4- 


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±?eS 


-019- 


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iisa 


When  earth's  foundation  first  was  laid. 
*—ns  —»-r  '-^•-s-ri6—rT*r»' 


Z^tljE 


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^m^^m 


f- 


LAYING  FOUNDATION   STONES. 


213 


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S^l 


By   the    Al-might  -  y    Art  -  ist's  hand, 


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m 


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:2iz*: 


9^^? 


'T was  then  our  per-fect    laws  were 


made. 


^ 


§1 


F 


2:2: 


^ 


Es  -  tab-hshed  by  His  strict  com-mand. 


g 


9~h^ 


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ai4 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 


tefatihtepJitaq 


Ei=: 


-1— ^-^■ 


-ai — PV-H- 


All  hail !  mysterious,  glo-rious  Masonry! 


In  vain  mankind  for  shelter  sought, 
In  vain  from  place  to  place  did  roam; 

Until  from  Heaven  he  was  taught 
To  plan,  to  build,  to  fix  his  home. 

All  hail !  mysterious,  etc. 


LAYING   FOUNDATION  STONES.  21$ 

(3) 

jllustrious  hence  we  date  our  Art, 
Which  now  in  beauteous  piles  appear; 

And  shall  to  endless  time  impart 
How  worthy  and  how  great  we  are. 

(4) 
Nor  we  less  famed  for  every  tie, 

By  which  the  human  thought  is  bound; 
Love,  Truth,  and  Friendship,  socially 

Unite  our  hearts  and  hands  around. 

(5) 
Our  actions  still  by  Virtue  blest. 

And  to  our  precepts  ever  true, 
The  world,  admiring,  shall  request 

To  learn,  and  our  bright  paths  pursue. 

The  necessary  preparations  are  now  made 
for  laying  the  stone,  on  which  is  engraved 
the  year  of  Masonry,  the  name  of  the  Grand 
Master,  and  such  other  particulars  as  may  be 
deemed  necessary.  Its  place  i;s  in  the  north- 
east corner  of  the  building.    The  stone  i? 


2l6  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

raised  up  by  means  of  an  engine  erected  for 
tliat  purpose. 

The  Grand  Chaplain,  or  a  designated  Clergy- 
man, tlien  delivers  the  following,  or  some 
other  appropriate 

PRAYER. 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  given  us  grace  at 
this  time  with  one  accord  to  make  our  com- 
mon supplications  unto  Thee ;  and  dost  prom- 
ise that,  where  two  or  three  are  gathered 
together  in  Thy  name,  Thou  wilt  grant  their 
requests  ;  fulfil  now,  O  Lord,  the  desires  and 
petitions  of  Thy  servants,  as  may  be  most 
expedient  for  them  ;  granting  us  in  this  world 
knowledge  of  Thy  truth,  and  in  the  world  to 
come  life  everlasting.    Amen! 

Response:   So  mote  it  be! 

The  Grand  Treasurer  \_or  Treasurer^  by  the 
Grand  Master's  [or  Special  Deputy's]  com- 
mand, then  places  under  the  stone  a  box  con- 
taining various  sorts  of  coin  and  medals. 
Masonic  documents,  and  such  other  matters 
as  may  be  of  interest;  a  list  of  which  is  read 
aloud  to  the  people  by  the  Grand  Secretary 
lor  Secretary'] . 

Solemn  music  is  introduced,  and  the  stone 


LAYING   FOUNDATION  STONES.  217 

let  down  into  its  place  by  tliree  distinct 
motions. 

Tiie  Principal  Architect  tlien  presents  the 
working  tools  to  the  Grand  Master  [or  Special 
Deputy]  who  hands  the  Square  to  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master  [or  Worshipful  Master],  the 
Level  to  the  Grand  Senior  Warden  [or  Senior 
Warden],  and  the  Plumb  to  the  Grand  Junior 
Warden  [or  Junior  Warden;]  when  the  Grand 
Master  addresses  the  Grand  Officers  as  fol- 
lows: 

[NOTE.  If  the  ceremony  be  performed  by 
a  Lodge  instead  of  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  the 
parts  hereafter  assigned  to  the  Grand  Master 
will  be  filled  by  the  Special  Deputy,  that  to 
the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  by  the  Worship- 
ful Master,  that  to  the  Grand  Senior  Warden 
by  the  Senior  Warden,  and  that  to  the  Grand 
Junior  Warden  by  the  Junior  Warden;  the 
necessary  changes  to  be  made  in  addressing 
the  various  officers  as  is  required.] 

Grand  Master.  R.  W.  Deputy  Grand 
Master:  What  is  the  proper  jewel  of  your 
office? 

Deputy  Grand  Master.     The  Square. 

G.  M.  What  are  its  moral  and  Masonic 
uses  } 


2i8  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

T>.  G.  M.  To  square  our  actions  by  the 
Square  of  Virtue,  and  prove  our  work. 

G.  M.  Apply  tlie  implement  of  your  office 
to  tliat  portion  of  tlie  foundation-stone  tliat 
needs  to  be  proved,  and  mal^e  report. 

Tlie  Deputy  applies  the  Square  to  the  stone 
and  says: 

D.  G.  M.  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master: 
I  fmd  the  stone  to  be  square.  The  Crafts- 
men have  performed  their  duty. 

G.  M.  R.  W.  Grand  Senior  Warden: 
What  is  the  proper  jewel  of  your  office  ? 

Grand  Senior  Warden.     The  Level. 

G.  M.    What  is  its  Masonic  use? 

G.  5.  IV.  Morally,  it  reminds  us  of  equality, 
and  its  use  is  to  lay  horizontals. 

G.  M.  Apply  the  implement  of  your  office 
to  the  foundation-stone  and  make  report. 

This  is  done. 

G.  S.  W.  Most  Worshipful  Grand,Master: 
I  find  the  stone  to  be  level.  The  Craftsmen 
have  performed  their  duty. 

G.  M.  R.  W.  Grand  Junior  Warden : 
What  is  the  proper  jewel  of  your  office? 


LAYING    FOUNDATION   STONES.  219 

Grand  Junior  Warden.     The  Plumb. 

G.  M.    What  is  its  Masonic  use? 

G.  y.  W.  Morally,  it  teaches  rectitude  of 
conduct,  and  we  use  it  to  try  perpendiculars. 

G.  M.  Apply  the  implement  of  your  office 
to  the  several  edges  of  the  foundation-stone, 
and  make  report. 

This  is  complied  with. 

G.  /.  W.  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master: 
I  fmd  the  stone  is  plumb.  The  Craftsmen 
have  performed  their  duty. 

G.  M.  This  corner-stone  has  been  tested 
by  the  proper  implements  of  Masonry?-.  I 
find  that  the  Craftsmen  have  skillf.illy  and 
faithfully  performed  their  duty,  and  I  do 
declare  the  stone  well  formed,  true,  and  trusty, 
and  correctly  laid,  according  to  the  rules  of 
our  Ancient  Craft. 

Let  the  elements  of  consecration  now  be 
presented. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  comes  forward 
with  the  Golden  Vessel  of  Corn,  and  scatter- 
ing it  on  the  stone,  says  : 

\  scatter  this  corn  as  an  emblem  of  plenty, 

-15 


820  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

May  the  blessings  of  bounteous  Heaven  be 
showered  upon  us  and  upon  all  like  patriotic 
and  benevolent  undertakings,  and  inspire  the 
hearts  of  the  people  with  virtue,  wisdom  and 
gratitude. 

Response :    So  mote  it  be! 

The  Grand  Senior  Warden  then  comes  for- 
ward with  the  Silver  Vessel  of  Wine,  and 
pours  it  upon  the  stone  saying  : 

I  pour  this  wine  as  an  emblem  of  joy  and 
gladness.  May  the  Great  Ruler  of  the  Uni- 
verse bless  and  prosper  our  national,  state 
and  city  governments,  preserve  the  Union  of 
the  States,  and  may  it  be  a  bond  of  Friend- 
ship and  Brotherly  Love  that  shall  endure 
through  all  time. 

Response :    So  mote  it  be! 

The  Grand  Junior  Warden  then  comes  for- 
ward with  the  Silver  Vessel  of  Oil,  which  he 
pours  upon  the  stone,  saying  : 

i  pour  this  oil  as  an  emblem  of  peace. 
May  its  blessings  abide  with  us  continually, 
and  may  the  Grand  Master  of  Heaven  aiid 
Earth  shelter  and   protect  the  widow   and 


LAYING  FOUNDATION  STONES.  22t 

orphan,  shield  and  defend  them  from  trials 
and  vicissitudes  of  the  world,  and  so  bestow 
his  mercy  upon  the  bereaved,  the  afflicted  and 
the  sorrowing,  that  they  may  know  sorrow- 
ing and  trouble  no  more. 

Response :    So  mote  it  be! 

The  Grand  Master  standing  in  front  of  all 
and  extending  his  hands,  makes  the  fol- 
lowing 

INVOCATION. 

May  the  all-bounteous  Author  of  Nature 
bless  the  inhabitants  of  this  place  with  an 
abundance  of  the  necessaries,  conveniences, 
and  comforts  of  life ;  assist  in  the  erection  and 
completion  of  this  building ;  protect  the  work- 
men against  every  accident;  long  preserve 
the  structure  from  decay ;  and  grant  to  us  all 
a  supply  of  the  Corn  of  Nourishment,  the 
Wine  of  Refreshment,  and  the  Oil  of  Joy. 
Amen! 

Response:    So  mote  it  be! 

The  Grand  Master  strikes  the  stone  three 
times  with  the  gavel,  and  the  Public  Grand 
Honors  are  given. 


822  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

The  Grand  Master  then  delivers  over  to  the 
Principal  Architect  the  implements  of  archi- 
tecture, saying : 

Worthy  Sir  [or  Brother]:  Having  thus,  as 
Grand  Master  of  Masons,  laid  the  foundation 
stone  of  this  structure,  I  now  deliver  these 
implements  of  your  profession  into  your 
hands,  intrusting  you  with  the  superintend- 
ence and  direction  of  the  work,  having  full 
confidence  in  your  skill  and  capacity  to  con- 
duct the  same. 

The  Grand  Master  ascends  the  platform, 
when  an  appropriate  anthem  may  be  sung. 

The  Grand  Master  then  addresses  the  as- 
sembly as  follows : 

Men  and  Brethren  here  assembled :  Be  it 
known  unto  you,  that  we  be  lawful  Masons, 
true  and  faithful  to  the  laws  of  our  country, 
and  engaged,  by  solemn  obligations,  to  erect 
magnificent  buildings,  to  be  serviceable  to  the 
brethren,  and  to  fear  God,  the  Great  Archi- 
tect of  the  Universe.  We  have  among  us, 
concealed  from  the  eyes  of  all  men,  secrets 
which  cannot  be  divulged,  and  which  have 


LAYING   FOUNDATION   STONES.  _  223 

never  been  found  out ,  but  these  secrets  are 
lawful  and  honorable,  and  not  repugnant  to 
the  laws  of  God  or  man.  They  were  in- 
trusted, in  peace  and  honor,  to  the  Masons  of 
ancient  times,  and  having  been  faithfully 
transmitted  to  us,  it  is  our  duty  to  convey 
them  unimpaired  to  the  latest  posterity.  Un- 
less our  Craft  were  good,  and  our  calling  hon- 
orable, we  should  not  have  lasted  for  so  many 
centuries,  nor  should  we  have  been  honored 
with  tlie  patronage  of  so  many  illustrious 
men  in  all  ages,  who  have  ever  shown  them- 
selves ready  to  promote  our  interests  and  de- 
fend us  from  all  adversaries.  We  are  as- 
sembled here  to-day  in  the  face  of  you  all,  to 
build  a  house,  which  we  pray  God  may  de- 
serve to  prosper,  by  becoming  a  place  of  con- 
course for  good  men,  and  promoting  harmony 
and  brotherly  love  throughout  the  world,  till 
time  shall  be  no  more.     Amen. 

Response  :    So  mote  it  be  ! 

If  an  orator  has  been  provided,  an  address 
may  be  made  at  this  time  to  the  assembled 
people. 


224  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

A  voluntary  collection  is  then  made  by  the 
Grand  Stewards  among  the  Brethren  for  the 
needy  workmen,  and  the  sum  collected  is  laid 
upon  the  stone  by  the  Grand  Treasurer,  to  be 
placed  in  the  proper  hands. 

The  Grand  Chaplain  then  pronounces  the 
following,  or  some  other  suitable 

BENEDICTION. 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high,  and  on  earth 
peace,  and.  good-will  toward  men  !  O  Lord, 
we  most  heartily  beseech  Thee  with  Thy  favor 
to  behold  and  bless  this  assemblage ;  pour 
down  Thy  mercy  like  the  dew  that  falls  upon 
the  mountains,  upon  Thy  servants  engaged 
in  the  solemn  ceremonies  of  this  day.  Bless, 
we  pray  Thee,  all  the  workmen  who  shall  be 
engaged  in  the  erection  of  this  edifice ;  keep 
them  from  all  forms  of  accidents  and  harm. ; 
grant  them  in  health  and  prosperity  to  live  ; 
and  finally,  we  hope,  after  this  life,  through 
Thy  mercy,  wisdom  and  forgiveness,  to  at- 
tain everlasting  joy  and  felicity,  in  Thy 
bright  mansion — in  Thy  Holy  Temple — not 
made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 
Amen. 


DEDICATION  OF  HALts.  225 

Response :    So  mote  it  be ! 

After  which,  the  procession  returns  in  the 
same  order  to  the  place  whence  it  set  out,  and 
the  Grand  Lodge  is  closed  with  the  usual  for- 
malities. 

SIXTH  SECTION. 

DEDICATION  OF  MASONIC  HALLS; 

This  ceremony  is  conducted  by  the  Grand 
Master  and  his  officers,  assisted  by  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  such  officers 
and  members  of  Lodges  as  can  conveniently 
attend;  or  it  may  be  conducted  by  some  com- 
petent Present  or  Past  Master,  specially  au- 
thorized by  the  Grand  Master  as  a  Special 
Deputy,  with  full  power  to  convene  some 
Lodge  conveniently  located,  to  which  a  Dis- 
pensation is  issued  for  that  purpose. 

At  the  time  appointed  forthe  celebration  of 
the  ceremony  of  Dedication,  the  Grand  Master 
[or  Special  Deputy]  and  his  officers,  accom- 
panied by  the  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
[if  present],  meet  in  a  convenient  room,  near 
to  the  place  where  the  ceremony  is  to  be  per- 
formed, and  the  Grand  Lodge  [or  Lodge]  is 
opened  on  the  Degree  provided  for  by  Sec.  7, 
Art.  II,  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Grand 
Lodge. 


«26  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

The  Procession  is  then  formed  by  the  Grand 
Marshal  [or  Marshal]  in  the  Regular  Order 
of  Procession,  [see  page  132],  with  the  follow- 
ing additions:  the  Grand  Junior  Warden  [or 
Junior  Warden]  will  carry  the  Golden  Vessel 
with  Corn  [Wheat],  the  Grand  Senior  War- 
den [or  SeniorWarden] ,  the  Silver  Vessel  with 
Wine,  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  [or  Worship- 
ful Master]  the  Silver  Vessel  with  Oil,  and 
the  Deputy  Grand  Master  [or  Worshipful 
Master]  will  be  followed  by  four  Past  Masters 
carrying  the  "Lodge,"  covered  with  a  loose 
covering  of  white  linen,  silk  or  satin.  [See 
page  143]. 

When  the  Grand  Officers  [or  Special  Dep- 
uty] arrive  at  the  center  of  the  Lodge-room, 
the  Grand  Honors,  public  or  private,  as  re- 
quired, are  given.  The  Grand  Officers  [or 
Officers]  then  repair  to  their  respective  sta- 
tions.' 

The  "Lodge"  is  placed  in  front  of  the 
Altar,  toward  the  East,  and  the  Gold  and 
Silver  Vessels  and  the  Burning  Tapers  are 
placed  around  it. 

In  the  following  ceremonies,  if  they  are 
performed  under  the  direction  of  a  Lodge,  the 
parts  assigned  to  the  Grand  Master  will  be 
performed  by  the  Special  Deputy  Grand 
Master;  to  the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  by  the 


DtDICATION  OF   HALLS.  327 

Worshipful  Master;  to  the  Grand  Senior 
Warden,  by  the  Senior  Warden;  and  to  the 
Grand  Junior  Warden  by  the  Junior  Warden. 

The  arrangements  being  completed,  the 
following  or  some  other  appropriate  Ode  is 
sung: 


ODE. 

Tune  :  Duke  Street.  L.  M. 

) V- 


^ 


y-^ 


I.  Mas  -  ter  Su-preme,  ac-cept    our  praise 


3i^## 


-#— ^- 


^ — 0^ 


■^ 


^ 


S  # 


^[?^t 


m 


ag:^ 


9fc:z:g 


Still  bless  this   con  -  se  -    crat-  ed  band 


1^ 


g 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 


9tFA=^^ 


^-*^  I    I 

Pa-rent  of  light !  il  -  lume  our  ways, 


mm^. 


I 


A—\- 


:^ 


Y^-p 


^  1 


■i^g= 


i 


And  guide  us  by        Thy   sovereign  hand. 


gi^^ 


© 


Ii* 


»-ty 


:^ 


^J 


^ 


2  May  Faith,  Hope,  Charity,  divine. 
Here  hold  their  undivided  reign; 

riiendship  and  Harmony  combine 
To  soothe  our  cares,  to  banish  pain. 

3  May  pity  dwell  within  each  breast, 
Relief  attend  the  suffering  poor; 

Thousands  by  this,  our  Lodge,  be  blest, 
Till  worth,  distress'd,  shall  want  no  more. 


DEDICATION  OF  WALLS.  229 

The  IVorshipful  Master  of  the  Lodge  to 
which  the  Hall  to  be  dedicated  belongs,  then 
rises,  and  addresses  the  Grand  Master  as  fol- 
lows : 

Most    Worshipful    Grand    Master:    The 

Brethren  of Lodge, 

No ,  being  animated  with  a  desire  to  pro- 
mote the  honor  and  interest  of  the  Craft,  have 
erected  a  Masonic  Hah,  for  their  convenience 
and  accomodation.  They  are  desirous  that 
the  same  should  be  examined  by  the  Most 
Worshipful  Grand  Lodge ;  and  if  it  should 
meet  their  approbation,  that  it  be  solemnly 
dedicated  to  Masonic  purposes,  agreeably  to 
ancient  form  and  usage. 

The  Architect  or  Brother  who  has  had  the 
management  of  the  structure  then  addresses 
the  Grand  Master  as  follows : 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master:  Having 
been  entrusted  with  the  superintendence  and 
management  of  the  workmen  employed  in  the 
construction  of  this  edifice ;  and  having,  ac- 
cording to  the  best  of  my  ability,  accomplished 
the  task  assigned  me>  \  now  return  my  thanks 


230  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

for  the  honor  of  this  appointment,  and  beg 
leave  to  surrender  up  the  implements  which 
were  committed  to  my  care  when  the  founda- 
tion of  this  fabric  was  laid,  {presenting  to  the 
Grand  Master  the  Square,  Level  and  Plumh], 
humbly  hoping  that  the  exertions  which  have 
been  niade,  on  this  occasion  will  be  crowned 
with  your  approbation,  and  that  of  the  Most 
Worshipful  Grand  Lodge. 

To  which  the  Grand  Master  replies  : 

Brother  Architect:  The  skill  and  fidelity 
displayed  in  the  execution  of  the  trust  reposed 
in  you  at  the  commencement  of  this  under- 
taking, have  secured  the  entire  approbation 
of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  and  they  sincerely  pray 
that  this  edifice  may  continue  a  lasting  monu- 
ment of  the  taste,  spirit,  and  liberality  of  its 
founders. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Muster  then  rises,  and 
says: 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master :  The  Hall 
in  which  we  are  now  assembled,  and  the  plan 
upon  which  it  has  been  constructed,  having 
met  with  your  approbation,  it  is  the  desire  of 


DEDICATKDN  OF  HALLS.  231 

the  Fraternity  that  Ft  shoiild  be  now  dedicated, 
according  to  the  ancient  form  and  usage. 

The  "Lodge"   is  then   uncovered,  and  a 

procession  is  made  around  it  in  the  following 

form,  during  which  solemn  music  is  played; 

Grand  Tyler,  with  dra\7n  sword  ; 

Grand  Stc\7ards,  v/ith  rods  ; 

Grand  Pursuivant,  v/ith  s^7ord  of  state; 

Grand  Secretary  and  Grand  Treasurer ; 

A  Burning  Taper,  borne  by  a  Past  Master ; 

The  Holy  Bible,  Square,  and  Compasses,  on 

a  velvet  cushion,  borne  by  a 

Past  Master;- 

Two  Burning  Tapers,  borne  by  two    Past 

Masters ; 
Grand  Junior  Warden,  with  Golden  Vessel 

of  Corn ; 
Grand  Senior  Warden,  with  Silver  Vessel  of 

Wine ; 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  with  Silver  Vessel  of 

Oil; 

The  Grand  Master,  supported  by  the  Grand 

Deacons,  with  rods,  and  followed  by 

Grand  Sword  Bearer,  with 

drawn  sword. 


232  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

All  the  other  Brethren  keep  their  places, 
and  assist  in  singing,  at  the  appropriate 
times,  the  Dedication  Ode. 

When  the  Grand  Lodge  has  made  the  First 
Procession  around  the  "Lodge,"  and  the 
Grand  Master  arrives  in  the  East,  it  halts, 
music  ceases,  and  the  Grand  Chaplain  makes 
the  following 

CONSECRATION    PRAYER: 

Almighty  and  ever-glorious  and  gracious 
Lord  God,  Creator  of  all  things,  and  Gover- 
nor of  everything  Thou  hast  made,  mercifully 
look  upon  Thy  servants,  now  assembled  in 
Thy  name  and  in  Thy  presence,  and  bless 
and  prosper  all  our  works  begun,  continued 
and  ended  in  Thee.  Graciously  bestow  upon 
us  Wisdom,  in  all  our  doings,  Strength  of 
mind  in  all  our  difficulties,  and  the  Beauty  of 
harmony  and  holiness  in  all  our  communica- 
tions and  work.  Let  Faith  be  the  foundation 
of  our  Hope,  and  Charity  the  fruit  of  our 
obedience  to  Thy  revealed  will. 

O  Thou  preserver  of  men!  graciously  en- 
able us  now  to  dedicate  this  house  which  we 


DEDICATION   OF   HALLS.  233 

have  erected,  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  Thy 
name,  and  mercifully  be  pleased  to  accept  this 
service  at  our  hands. 

May  all  who  shall  be  lawfully  appointed  to 
rule  herein  according  to  our  Constitution,  be 
under  Thy  special  guidance  and  protection, 
and  faithfully  observe  and  fulfil  all  their 
obligations  to  Thee  and  to  the  Lodge. 

May  all  who  come  within  these  consecrated 
walls  have  but  one  heart  and  one  mind,  to 
love,  to  honor,  to  fear,  and  to  obey  Thee,  as 
Thy  majesty  and  unbounded  goodness  claim, 
and  to  love  one  another  as  Thou  hast  loved 
us.  May  every  discordant  passion  be  here 
banished  from  our  bosom.  May  we  here 
meet  in  Thy  presence  as  a  band  of  Brethren 
who  were  created  by  the  same  Almighty 
Parent,  are  daily  sustained  by  the  same  ben- 
eficent hand,  and  are  traveling  the  same  road 
to  the  gates  of  death.  May  we  here  have 
Thy  Holy  Word  always  present  to  our  mind, 
and  religion,  and  virtue,  love,  harmony, 
and  peaceful  joy  reigning  triumphant  in  our 
hearts. 


334  ANCiENi-  CEREMONIES.. 

May  all  the  proper  work  of  our  institution 
tliat  may  be  done  in  tliis  house  be  such  as 
Thy  wisdom  may  approve  and  Thy  goodness 
prosper.  And,  finally,  graciously  be  pleased, 
O  Thou  Sovereign  Architect  of  the  Universe, 
to  bless  the  Craft,  wheresoever  dispersed, 
and  make  them  true  *and  faithful  to  Thee,  to 
their  neighbor,  and  to  themselves.  And  when 
the  time  of  our  labor  is  drawing  near  to  an 
end,  and  the  pillar  of  our  strength  is  declining 
to  the  ground,  graciously  enable  us  to  pass 
through  the  'Valley  of  the  shadow  of  death," 
supported  by  Thy  rod  and  Thy  staff ,  to  those 
mansions  beyond  the  skies  where  love  and 
peace,  and  joy  forever  reign  before  Thy 
throne.     Amen. 

Response:    So  mote  it  be! 

Then  is  sung  the  first  verse  of  the  follow- 
ing Dedication  Ode; 


DEDICATION   OF   HALLS. 


2^5 


DEDICATION   ODE. 

Tune:  Old  Hundred.  L.  M 


w^m 


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Ge-nius   of       Ma-son-ry,    de-scend, 


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giig^l^grng 


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$ 


Md=d-^^s=:=^d=d^ 


And  with  thee  bring  thy   spotless  train  ; 


9^^ 


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2z^: 


:^=tt 


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:^=^ 


^S 


s: 


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Constant  our  sa  -  cred  rites     at-  tend, 

-t9-    ■'■ 4— -    H I *•  -#■  ^     -i<9-  ' 


aSB 


m 


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*36 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 


s 


i'T^i^ja 


-<^ 


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Si 


-G- 


While  we  a  -  dore  thy  peace-ful  reign. 


9fee^ 


S? 


-^- 


:y      1^" 


After  the  singing,  the  Grand  Jnuior  Warden 
presents  the  Golden  Vessel  of  Corn  to  the 
Grand  Master,  saying: 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master:  In  the 
dedications  of  Masonic  Halls,  it  has  been  of 
Immemorial  custom  to  pour  Corn  upon  the 
Lodge,  as  an  emblem  of  nourishment.  I 
therefore  present  you  this  Vessel  of  Corn,  to 
be  employed  by  you  according  to  ancient  usage. 

The  Grand  Master  then,  striking  thrice 
with  his  Gavel,  pours  the  Corn  upon  the 
"Lodge"  saying: 

In  the  Name  of  the  GREAT  JEHOVAH, 
to  whom  be  all  honor  and  glory,  I  do  solemnly 
dedicate  this  Hall  to  FREEMASONRY. 

The  Grand  Honors  are  then  given  once, 
public  or  private  as  required.     All  then  unite 


DEDICATION   OF   HALLS.  331 

in  singing  t'.ie  second  verse  of  the  Dedication 
Ode  as  follows: 


Bring  with  thee  Virtue,  brightest  maid! 
Bring  Love,bringTruth, bring  Friendship  here; 
While  social  Mirth  shall  lend  her  aid 
To  soothe  the  wrinkled  brow  of  Care. 

While  solemn  music  is  played  the  Second 
Procession  is  then  made  around  the  "Lodge," 
and  the  Grand  Senior  Warden  presents  the 
Silver  Vessel  of  Wine  to  the  Grand  Master 
saying: 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master :  Wine, 
the  emblem  of  refreshment,  having  been  used 
by  our  ancient  brethren  in  the  dedication  and 
consecration  of  their  Lodges,  I  present  you 
this  Vessel  of  Wine,  to  be  used  on  the  present 
occasion  according  to  ancient  Masonic  form. 

The  Grand  tM aster X\-\tx\  sprinkles  the  Wine 
upon  the  "  Lodge,"  saying  : 

Inthe  name  of  the  HOLY  SAINTS  JOHN, 
I  do  solemnly  dedicate  this  Hall  to  VIRTUE. 

The  Grand  Honors  are  twice  repeated,  pub- 
lic or  private  as  required.     All  then  unite  in 


23b  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

singing  the  third  verse  of  the  Dedication  Ode 
as  follows : 


Bring  Charity !  with  goodness  crowned, 
Encircled  in  thy  heavenly  robe ! 

Diffuse  thy  blessings  all  around, 
To  every  corner  of  the  Globe. 

While  solemn  music  is  played,  the  third 
Procession  is  then  made  round  the  "  Lodge," 
and  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  presents  the 
Silver  Vessel  of  Oil  to  the  Grand  Master, 
saying  : 

Most  Worshipful  Grand  Master :  I  present 
you,  to  be  used  according  to  ancient  custom, 
this  Vessel  of  Oil,  an  emblem  of  that  joy 
which  should  animate  every  bosom  on  the 
completion  of  every  important  undertaking. 

The  Grand  Master  then  sprinkles  the  Oil 
upon  the  "  Lodge,"  saying  : 

III  the  name  of  the  whole  FRATERNITY, 
I  do  solemnly  dedicate  this  Hall  to  UNI- 
VERSAL Benevolence. 

The  Grand  Honors  are  thrice  repeated,  pub- 
lic or  private  as  required.     All  then  unite  in 


LcDICATION  OF  HALLS.  239 

singing  the  fourth  verse  of  the  Dedication 
Ode  as  follows ; 

To  Heaven's  High  Architect  all  praise, 
All  praise,  all  gratitude  be  given, 

Who  deigned  the  human  soul  to  raise, 
By  mystic  secrets,  sprung  from  Heaven. 

The  Grand  Chaplain,  standing  before  the 
"  i.odge,"  then  makes  the  following 

INVOCATION. 

And  may  the  Lord,  the  giver  of  every  good 
and  perfect  gift,  bless  the  brethren  here  as- 
sembled, in  all  their  lawful  undertakings, 
and  grant  to  each  one  of  them,  in  needful 
supply,  the  corn  of  nourishment,  the  wine  of 
refreshment,  and  the  oil  of  joy.     Amen. 

Response:    So  mote  it  be! 

The  "Lodge"  is  then  re-covered,  the  Grand 
Master  retires  to  his  chair,  and  the  Grand 
Lodge  and  brethren  are  seated. 

An  appropriate  Oration  may  then  be  de- 
livered, and  the  ceremonies  conclude  with 
music.  After  which,  the  Grand  Lodge  is 
again  formed  in  procession,  asatfirst,  returns 
to  the  room  where  it  was  opened,  and  is  closed. 


24P  ANCIENT  CEREMONJHS 

SECTION  SEVEN. 

FESTIVALS  OF  THE  ORDER. 

In  every  country  where  Freemasonry  is  en« 
couraged,  its  festival  days  are  celebrated  witli 
great  ceremony.  These  are,  the  festival  of 
St.  John  the  Baptist,  on  the  24th  of  June,  and 
that  of  St.  John  '  e  Evangelist,  on  the  27th 
of  December.  They  are  days  set  apart  by  the 
Fraternity  to  worship  the  Grand  Architect  of 
the  Univer'^e;  to  implore  His  blessings  upon 
the  great  family  of  mankind;  and  to  partake 
of  the  feast  of  brotherly  affection. 

It  is  therefore  recommended  to  every  Lodge, 
annually  to  celebrate  one  or  both  of  these  days 
in  such  way  as  will  be  most  conducive  to  the 
advantage  li  the  Lodge,  and  the  honor  and 
benefit  of  the  institution. 

Whichever  day  may  have  been  selected, 
the  Lodge  about  to  celebrate  it  should  assem- 
ble at  its  usual  place  of  meeting,  and  having 
been  opened  on  the  First  Degree,  the  Lodge 
forms  in  Regular  Order  of  Procession  [see 
page  132].  If  any  Grand  Officers  be  present, 
they  must  be  placed  in  the  rear  of  the  prpces- 
sion,  immediately  in  front  of  the  two  War- 
dens. 

Every  officer  must  wear  the  jewels  of  his 
office.  On  arriving  at  the  Church  gate,  the 
brethren  uncover  and  open  ranks  to  the  right 


FESTIVAL  DAYS.  24X 

and  left  as  far  as  the  Worshipful  Master, 
who,  followed  by  the  brethren,  passes  between 
the  lines,  likewise  uncovered,  into  the  Church. 
1  he  same  ceremony  is  observed  on  their  return 
to  the  Hall. 

Divine  service  must  be  performed,  and  an 
appropriate  sermon  or  address  delivered  by 
some  competent  brother  appointed  for  the 
occasion.  Hymns  and  anthems  adapted  to 
the  occasion  shall  be  sung,  and  after  service 
a  collection  may  be  made  at  the  Church  doors 
from  the  brethren,  in  aid  of  the  Charity  Fund. 
After  the  return  to  the  Hall,  the  Master  may' 
deliver  a  charge  from  the  Chair,  upon  such 
subjects  connected  with  the  Order,  and  the 
honor  and  happiness  of  the  Craft,  as  he  may 
think  proper. 

SECTION    EIGHT. 

CEREA\ONY    OBSERVED  AT    GRAND   VISITATIONS. 

The  Grand  Master,  accompanied  by  the 
Grand  Officers,  may,  at  least  once  a  year,  or 
as  often  as  he  may  deem  expedient,  visit  the 
Lodges  under  his  jurisdiction,  to  make  the 
customary  examinations.  When  this  laud- 
able duty  becomes  impracticable,  from  the 
extent  of  jurisdiction  and  large  number  of 
Lodges,  the  Grand  Master  may  appoint  any 
one  or  more  of  his  Grand  Officers,  who  shall 


242  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

visit  and  inspect  such  Lodges  as  the  Grand 
Master  shall  designate,  and  make  report  to 
him  of  the  result. 

The  following  is  the  ceremony  observed  on 
such  occasions: 

The  Grand  Secretary,  or  Grand  Master,  or 
Officer  appointed  to  make  the  Visitation, 
notifies  the  Lodge  of  the  intended  visit. 

The  Worshipful  Master  opens  his  Lodge  on 
the  Third  Degree,  and  places  his  Deacons  at 
the  sides  of  the  door,  with  their  rods  crossed. 
The  brethren  arrange  themselves  in  a  line 
from  the  door,  on  each  side,  inward  face,  to 
the  Chair,  in  the  East.  This  being  arranged 
in  this  manner,  tlie  Worshipful  Master  de- 
putes a  Past  Master  to  escort  the  Grand 
Officers,  in  the  order  of  rank,  it  being  remem- 
bered that  the  post  of  honor  in  a  Masonic  pro- 
cession is  always  in  tlie  rear.  The  Grand 
Tyler,  if  present,  remains  at  the  door. 

The  Grand  Officers  proceed  up  to  the  East 
between  the  lines  of  brethren,  when  they  open 
to  the  right  and  left,  and  the  Grand  Master, 
or  presiding  Grand  Officer,  passes  through  to 
the  Chair;  they  then  close,  and  take  their 
seats  on  the  right  of  the  Worshipful  Master. 
Tlie  Worshipful  Master  receives  the  Grand 
Master  according  to  ancient  usage,  with  the 
Private  Grand  Honors,  and  resigns  to  him 
the  Chair  and  Gavel,  when  the  officers  of  the 


GRAND  VISITATIONS.  243 

Lodge  resign  their  seats  to  the  corresponding 
Grand  Officers,  if  present.  The  Worshipful 
Master  then  delivers  to  the  Grand  Master,  or 
inspecting  officer,  the  Warrant  of  Constitu- 
tion, the  Treasurer's  and  Secretary's  books, 
and  a  statement  of  the  funds  of  the  Lodge, 
for  his  inspection.  Having  examined  them, 
he  expresses  his  approbation,  or  makes  such 
observations  as  the  circumstances  and  situa- 
tion of  the  Lodge  may  require.  The  Grand 
Master,  or  inspecting  officer,  then  resigns  the 
Chair  to  the  Worshipful  Master,  and  the 
Grand  Officers  leave  their  seats,  and  repair 
to  the  East.  Should  the  Grand  Officers  retire 
before  the  Lodge  is  closed,  the  same  ceremony 
must  be  observed  as  at  their  entrance. 

SECTION  NINE. 

MASONIC   FUNERAL  SERVICES. 

The  services  herein  arranged  for  the  Burial 
of  the  Dead,  are  adapted  for  all  the  purposes 
for  which  ceremonies  of  that  character  may 
be  required.  The  arrangement  is  such  that 
any  portion  of  the  service — each  part  being 
complete^may  be  used  as  occasion  requires. 
It  is  not  expected  that  the  whole  ceremony 
will  or  can  be  used  at  any  one  time.  If  the 
weather  should  be  stormy,  or  the  body  of  the 
deceased  taken  fc    interment,  to  a  distance, 


244  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

where  it  would  be  impossible  for  the  brethren 
to  attend,  that  portion  of  the  service  set  apart 
for  the  Lodge-room,  or  at  the  house  of  the 
deceased,  may  be  performed. 

General  Directid7is. 

I.  No  Freemason  can  be  buried  with  the 
formalities  of  the  Fraternity,  unless  it  be  at 
his  own  request,  or  that  of  some  of  his  family, 
communicated  to  the  iVlaster  of  the  Lodge  of 
which  he  died  a  member  (foreigners  or  sO' 
journers  excepted),  nor  unless  he  has  received 
the  Master  Mason's  Degree,  and  from  this 
restriction  there  can  be  no  exception. 

II.  Fellow-Crafts  or  Entered  Apprentices 
are  not  ehtitled  to  these  obsequies;  nor  can 
they  be  allowed  to  unite,  as  Masons,  in  the 
funeral  of  a  brother. 

III.  No  Lodge,  or  body  of  Masons,  can 
unite  in  the  ousequies  of  a  person  not  a  Mason, 
without  permission  of  the  Grand  Master,  or 
consent  of  the  Grai.i  Lodge. 

IV.  The  Master  of  the  Lodge,  having  re- 
ceived notice  of  the  death  of  a  brother  [the 
deceased  having  attained  to  the  degree  of 
Master  Mason],  and  of  his  request  to  be 
buried  with  the  ceremonies  of  the  Craft,  fixes 
the  day  and  hour  for  his  funeral  [unless  pre- 
viously arranged  by  the  friends  or  relatives 


FUNERAL  SERVIChS.  245 

of  the  deceased],  and  issues  the  command  to 
tlie  Secretary  to  summon  the  Lodge.  He  may 
invite  as  many  Lodges  as  he  may  think 
proper,  and  the  members  of  those  may  ac- 
company their  officers  in  form;  but  the  whole 
ceremony  must  be  under  the  direction  of  the 
Master  of  the  Lodge  of  which  the  deceased 
was  a  member. 

V.  Upon  the  death  of  a  sojourner,  who  had 
expressed  a  u'ish  to  be  buried  with  the  Masonic 
ceremonies,  the  duties  prescribed  in  Article  IV, 
will  devolve  upon  the  Master  of  the  Lodge 
within  whose  jurisdiction  the  death  may 
occur;  and  if  in  a  place  where  there  be  more 
than  one  Looge,  then  upon  the  Master  of 
the  oldest  Lodge,  unless  otherwise  mutually 
arranged. 

VL  Whenever  civic  societies,  or  the  mili- 
tary, may  unite  with  Masons  in  the  burial  of 
a  Mason,  the  bocy  of  the  deceased  must  be  in 
charge  of  the  Lodge  having  jurisdiction.  The 
Masonic  services  should  in  all  respects  be  con- 
ducted as  if  none  but  Masons  were  in  attend- 
ance. 

VII.  If  the  deceased  was  a  Grand  or  Past 
Grand  officer,  the  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
should  be  invited;  when  the  Master  of  the 
Lodge  having  jurisdiction,  will  invite  the 
Grand  oificer  present,  who  has  attained  the 
highest  rank,  to  conduct  the  buria':  " 


846  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

VIII.  The  pall-bearers  should  be  Masons, 
selected  by  the  Master.  If  the  deceased  was 
a  member  of  a  Chapter,  Commandery,  or 
Consistory,  a  portion '  ^  the  pall-bearers  should 
be  taken  from  these  bodies  severally. 

IXo  The  proper  rlothing  for  a  Masonic 
funeral  is  a  black  hat,  black  or  dark  clcthes, 
blfack  neck-L  ,  white  gloves,  and  a  plain 
square  whiu  linen  or  Ir.iibskin  apron,  with  a 
band  of  black  crape  around  the  left  arm, 
nbove  the  Ibow,  and  a  si^  rig  of  evergreen  on 
the  [eft  breast,  ^he  Master's  gavel,  the  War- 
den's columns,  die  Deacons'  and  Stewards' 
rods,  the  Tyler's  sword,  the  Bible,  the  Book 
of  Constitutions,  and  the  Marshal's  baton, 
should  be  trinmed  with  black  crape,  neatly 
tied  v/ith  '/hite  ribbon-  The  officers  of  the 
Lodge  should,  and  Past  Masters  and  Grand 
Officerr  :  my,  wear  their  official  jewels. 

X.  Whik  the  body  is  ly'ng  in  the  coffin, 
t]-ere  should  be  placed  upon  the  latter  a  plain 
white  Jc.  ibskin  apron. 

XI.  If  a  Pkst  or  Present  Grand  Master, 
Deputy'  Grand  M?=ter,  oi  irand  Warden, 
should  join  the  procession  of  a  private  Lodge, 
proper  attention  must  be  paid  to  them.  They 
take  place  after  the  Master  of  the  Lodge. 
Two  Deacons,  with  white  rods,  should  be 
appointed  by  the  Master  to  attend  a  Grand 
Warden;    and  when  the  Grand  Master  or 


FUNERAL  SERVICES.  247 

Deputy  Grand  Master  is  present,  the  Book  of 
Constitutions  should  be  borne  before  him,  a 
Sword-bearer  should  follow,  and  the  Deacons 
with  white  rods,  should  attend  on  his  right 
and  left. 

XII.  When  the  head  of  the  procession  shall 
have  arrived  at  the  place  of  interment,  or 
where  the  services  are  to  be  performed,  the 
lines  should  be  opened,  and  the  highest 
officer  in  rank,  preceded  by  the  Marshal  and 
Tyler  pass  through,  and  the  others  follow  in 
order. 

XIII.  Upon  arriving  at  the  entrance  of  the 
cemetery,  the  brethren  should  march  in  open 
order  to  the  tomb  or  grave.  If  the  body  is  to 
be  placed  in  the  former,  the  Tyler  should  take 
his  place  in  front  of  the  open  door,  and  the 
lines  be  spread  so  as  to  form  a  circle.  The 
coffin  should  be  deposited  in  the  circle,  and  the 
Stewards  and  Deacons  should  cross  their  rods 
over  it.  The  bearers  should  take  their  places 
on  either  side — the  mourners  at  the  foot  of  the 
coffin,  and  the  Master  and  other  officers  at 
the  head.  After  the  coffin  has  been  placed  in 
the  tomb,  the  Stewards  should  cross  their  rods 
over  the  door,  and  the  Deacons  over  the  Mas- 
ter. If  the  body  is  to  be  deposited  in  the 
earth,  the  circle  should  be  formed  around  the 
grave,  the  body  being  placed  on  rests  over  it; 
the  Stewards  should  cross  their  rods  over  the 


248  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

foot,  and  the  Deacons  over  the  head,  and 
retain  their  places  throughout  the  services. 

XIV.  After  the  clergymen  shall  have  per- 
formed the  religious  services  of  the  Church, 
either  at  the  house,  Church  or  grave,  the 
Masonic  services  should  begin. 

XV.  When  a  number  of  Lodges  join  in  a 
funeral  procession,  the  position  of  the  young- 
est Lodge  is  at  the  head  or  right  of  the  pro- 
cession, and  the  oldest  at  the  end  or  left,  ex- 
cepting that  the  Lodge  of  which  deceased  was 
a  member  walks  nearest  the  corpse. 

XVI.  The  procession  must  return  to  the 
Lodge-room  in  the  same  order  in  which  it 
marched  to  the  grave. 

XVII.  A  Lodge  in  procession  is  to  be  strictly 
under  the  discipline  of  the  Lodge-room;  there- 
fore, no  brother  can  enter  the  procession  or 
leave  it  without  express  permission  from  the 
Master,  conveyed  through  the  Marshal. 

Service  in  the  Lodge-i'oom . 

The  brethren  having  assembled  at  the 
Lodge-room,  the  Lodge  will  be  opened  on  the 
Third  Degree;  the  purpose  of  the  Specia( 
Communication  must  be  stated,  and  remarks 
upon  the  character  of  the  deceased  may  be 
made  by  the  Master  and  brethren. 

If  the  Service  in  the  Lodge- room  is  not  to 
be  used,  the  Master  will  order  the  Marshal  to 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— LODGE  ROOM.  249 

form  the  brethren  in  procession,  to  repair  to 
the  house  of  the  deceased. 

If  the  Service  in  the  Lodge-room  is  to  be 
used,  after  the  appropriate  remarks  the  Mas- 
ter shall  call  up  the  Lodge,  and  will  then  pro- 
ceed as  follows: 

IVor.  Master.  What  man  is  he  that  liveth, 
and  shall  not  see  death?  Shall  he  deliver  his 
soul  from  the  hand  of  the  grave  .^ 

Sen.  Warden.  His  days  are  as  grass;  as 
a  flower  of  the  field,  so  he  flourisheth. 

Jtin.  Warden.  For  the  wind  passeth  over 
it,  and  it  is  gone;  and  the  place  thereof  shall 
know  it  no  more. 

W.  M.  Where  is  now  our  departed  Brother? 

S.  W.  He  dwelleth  in  night;  he  sojourneth 
in  darkness. 

J.  W.  Man  walketh  in  a  vain  shadow;  he 
heapeth  up  riches,  and  cannot  tell  who  shall 
gather  them. 

W.  M.  When  he  dieth,  he  shall  carry  noth- 
ing away;  his  glory  shall  not  descend  aftet 
him. 


250  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

S.  W.  For  he  brought  nothing  into  the 
^/'orld,  and  it  is  certain  he  can  carry  nothing 
out. 

/.  W.  The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath 
taken  away;  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

W.  M.  The  Lord  is  merciful  and  gracious, 
slow  to  anger,  and  plenteous  in  mercy. 

S.  W.  God  is  our  salvation;  our  glory, 
and  the  rock  of  our  strength,  and  our  refuge 
is  in  God. 

/.  W.  He  hath  not  dealt  with  us  after  our 
sins,  nor  rewarded  lis  according  to  our  iniqui- 
ties. 

W.  M.  Can  we  offer  any  precious  gift  ac- 
ceptable in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  to  redeem 
our  brother? 

5.  W,  We  are  poor  and  needy.  We  are 
without  gift  or  ransom. 

/.  W.  Be  merciful  unto  us,  O  Lord,  be 
merciful  unto  us;  for  we  trust  in  Thee.  Our 
hope  and  salvation  are  in  Thy  patience. 
Where  else  can  we  look  for  mercy? 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— LODGE    ROOM.  251 

IV.  M.  Let  us  endeavor  to  live  the  life  of 
the  righteous,  that  our  last  end  may  be  like 
his. 

S.  W.  The  Lord  is  gracious  and  righteous; 
yea,  our  God  is  merciful. 

/.  W.  God  is  our  God  forever  and  ever; 
He  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death. 

W.  31.  Shall  our  brother's  name  and 
virtues  be  lost  upon  the  earth  forever  ? 

Response  by  the  brethren:  We  will  re- 
member and  cherish  them  in  our  hearts. 

W.  M.  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven,  say- 
ing unto  me :  ''Write,  from  henceforth  blessed 
are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord  !  Even  so, 
saith  the  Spirit;  for  they  rest  from  their 
labors." 

Here  the  Worshipful  31  aster  w\\\  take  the 
SACRED  ROLL  [a  sheet  of  parchment  or 
paper  prepared  for  the  purpose],  on  which 
have  been  inscribed  the  name,  age,  date  of 
initiation  or  affiliation,  facts  of  his  Masonic 
history,  date  of  death,  and  any  other  matters 
relating  to  deceased  that  may  be  interesting 

-17 


252  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

to  the  brethren;  and  shall  read  the  same  aloud, 
and  shall  then  say : 

Almighty  Father!  in  Thy  hands  we  leave, 
with  humble  submission,  the  soul  of  our  de- 
parted brother. 

Respo7ise:  Amen  !  So  mote  it  be ! 

The  Public  Grand  Honors  should  then  be 
given  three  times,  the  brethren  to  respond 
each  time: 

The  will  of  God  is  accomplished.  Amen! 
So  mote  it  be. 

The  Worshipful  Master  should  then  deposit 
the  Roll  in  the  archives  of  the  Lodge.  The 
following,  or  some  other  appropriate  Hymn, 
may  then  be  sung : 


HYMN. 


Tune:  Evan.  C.  M. 


I 


fe 


i^: 


Few  are  thy  days,  and    full  of  woe, 


pstfTF=f=?=i 


S=f=& 


^^ 


f 


I     i 


FUNERAL    SERVICES— LODGE  ROOM. 


- 

uT,   7    k    

1 ^ — i — n 

1 

A 

L.b  1^     1 

1          i         &J         ! 

i-^        1 

i 

TS/   l7         ! 

« 

. 

5^ — 

'^        1 

^V            ^l 

J                      I       ■■  1 

^        1 

o 

man, 

of 

wo  - 

man 

born  ! 

C\'    U   1     1 

r 

g 

1?   • 

^.        1 

^•i  ^  rt 

1 

1 

,^ 

_  J^ 

s*-     1 

^  b  \v 

1 

^  V     (S 

-_Jt ^ ^ 

I 


S! 


^ 


Thy  doom  is  writ  -  ten,  "Dust  thou  art, 

^      I  1 


9fcfc^ 


S 


3± 


I 


And     shalt 


dust     re  -  turn.' 


254  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

Behold  the  emblem  of  thy  state 
In  flowers  that  bloom  and  die ; 

Or  in  the  shadow's  fleeting  form 
That  mocks  the  gazer's  eye. 

Determined  are  the  days  that  fly 

Successive  o'er  thy  head ; 
The  number'd  hour  is  on  the  wing 

That  lays  thee  with  the  dead. 

Great  God,  afflict  not,  in  Thy  wrath, 

The  short  allotted  span 
That  bounds  the  few  and  weary  days 

Of  pilgrimage  to  man. 

The  Worshipful  Master  or  Chaplain  will 
then  repeat  the  following,  or  some  other  ap- 
propriate 

Prayer. 

Almighty  and  Heavenly  Father — infinite  in 
wisdom,  mercy  and  goodness, — extend  to  us 
the  riches  of  Thy  everlasting  grace.  Thou 
alone  art  a  refuge  and  help  in  trouble  and 
affliction.  In  this  bereavement  we  look  to 
Thee  for  support  and  consolation.     May  we 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— LODGE    ROOM.  255. 

believe  that  death  hath  no  power  over  a  faith- 
ful and  righteous  soul !  May  we  believe  that, 
though  the  dust  returneth  to  the  dust  as  it 
was,  the  spirit  goeth  to  Thyself.  As  we 
mourn  the  departure  of  a  brother  beloved  from 
the  circle  of  our  Fraternity,  may  we  trust  that 
he  hath  entered  into  a  higher  brotherhood,  to 
engage  in  nobler  duties  and  in  heavenly  work, 
to  find  rest  from  earthly  labor,  and  refresh- 
ment from  earthly  care.  May  Thy  peace  abide 
within  us,  to  keep  us  from  all  evil.  Make  us 
grateful  for  present  benefits,  and  crown  us 
with  immortal  life  and  honor.  And  to  Thy 
name  shall  be  all  the  glory  forever.  Amen! 
Response:   So  mote  it  be  ! 

A  procession  will  then  be  formed,  which 
will  proceed  to  the  house  of  the  deceased,  in 
the  following  order: 

Tyler,  with  drawn  sword; 

Stewards,  with  rods; 

Master  Masons,  by  two  and  two; 

Members  of  the  other  branches  of  the  Masonic 

Fraternity; 

Past  Masters,  by  two  and  two; 

Pall-bearers,  by  two  and  two; 


256  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

Secretary  and  Treasurer; 
Senior  and  Junior  Wardens; 
The  Holy  Bible,  Square  and  Compasses,  on  a 
cushion,  covered  with  a  black  cloth, 
and  carried  by  the  oldest  mem- 
ber of  the  Lodge  not 
in  office; 
Worshipful  Master,  supported  by  the  Dea- 
cons, with  rods. 

If  a  band  of  music  has  been  provided,  it 
will  follow  the  Tyler,  unless  all  the  musicians 
be  Masons,  in  which  case  they  will  follow  the 
Stewards. 

When  the  head  of  the  procession  arrives  at 
the  entrance  of  the  building,  it  should  halt, 
and  on  the  proper  order  being  given  by  the 
Marshal  it  will  open  to  the  right  and  left, 
forming  two  parallel  lines  and  facing  inward, 
when  the  Marshal  and  Tyler  will  pass  through 
the  lines  to  the  end,  and  escort  the  Master  or 
Grand  Officer  inta  the  house,  the  brethren 
closing  in  and  following,  thus  reversing  the 
order  of  procession— the  brethren  with  heads 
uncovered. 

If  religious  or  Masonic  services  are  to  be 
held  at  the  house,  all  the  brethren,  so  far  as 
practicable,  will  enter  the  house;  if  there  are 
no  services  to  be  held  at  the  house,  none  but 
the  officers  and  pall-bearers  will  enter  the 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— HOUSE  OR  CHURCH.         257 

house,  in  which  case  the  pall-bearers  will  be 
the  last  to  leave  the  lines  and  close  in,  the  re- 
maining brethren  standing  fast.  The  Tyler 
will  take  and  maintain  his  place  just  inside 
of  the  door;  the  Marshal  remaining  outside  in 
charge  of  the  brethren,  if  the  brethren  re- 
main outside,  the  Marshal  will  reverse  the 
line^;,  and  open  as  before,  bringing  the  right 
or  front  of  the  lines  near  the  hearse,  the  left 
or  rear  near  the  door  of  the  house,  and  leav- 
ing space  in  the  rear  for  the  officers  to  occupy 
as  they  leave  the  house. 

Services  at  the  House  of  the  Deceased^  or  at 
Church. 
After  the  religious  services,  if  any,  have 
been  performed  at  the  residence,  the  Worship- 
ful Master  will  take  charge  of  the  remains  by 
taking  his  station  at  the  head  of  the  coffin, 
the  Senior  Warden  on  his  right,  the  Junior 
Warden  on  his  left;  the  brother  carrying  the 
Holy  Bible  will  take  his  station  at  the  foot  of 
the  coffin,  the  Treasurer  on  his  right,  the 
Secretary  on  his  left;  the  Deacons  and  Stew- 
ards will  stand,  one  on  each  side  of  the  coffin, 
with  rods  crossed,  the  former  near  the  head, 
^he  latter  near  the  foot;  the  Chaplain  taking 
his  place  by  the  side  of  the  coffin  near  the 
center;  the  brethren  forming  a  circle  around 
all,  so  far  as  practicable. 


258  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

.If  it  is  not  intended  to  use  the  Masonic  ser- 
vice at  tiie  residence,  after  the  officers  have 
taken  their  stations  as  above  provided,  all 
will  join  in  repeating  the  Lord's  Prayer,  the 
Chaplain  or  Master  leading;  after  which  the 
Master  will  order  the  pall-bearers  to  remove 
the  remains,  and  the  Worshipful  Master  and 
officers  will  retire  from  the  house  in  the  fol- 
lowing order: 

Tyler,  with  drawn  sword; 

Stewards,  wi^h  rods; 

Secretary  and  Treasurer; 

Senior  and  Junior  Wardens; 

The  brother  carrying  the  Holy  Bible; 

The  Worshipful   Master,   supported  by  the 

Deacons,  with  rods. 

On  leaving  the  house  the  Tyler  and  Stew 
ards  will  proceed  at  once  to  their  place  at  the 
head  of  the  procession  near  the  hearse;  the 
remaining  officers  taking  their  places  at  the 
rear  of  the  procession,  near  the  door  of  the 
residence,  and  separating  to  each  side,  and 
thus  awaiting  with  all  the  brethren,  with  un- 
covered heads,  the  exit  of  the  body. 

The  officiating  Clergy  and  Chaplain  will 
immediately  precede  the  pall-bearers  and  the 
body,  and  the  body  will  be  followed  by  the 
immediate  relatives  and  friends.    As  soon  as 


FUNERAL  SERVICKS — HOUSE   OR   CHURCH.  259 

the  irimediate  relatives  and  friends  have 
■jr-zcC.  ":hi-ou:^h,  the  lines  v/ill  close^  commenc- 
ing; -'r-t  ".c  the  rear  to  prevent  confusion  by 
the  ::'^ncrr.l  3r.it  of  friends  fron  the  house 
throui^  the  li  •2Zy  but  making  no  forward 
movement  unti! '' ic  head  of  the  column  moves, 
which  will  be  '.b/J  '-^e  relatives  have  passed 
through  to  the  r-^r/uiges.  The  lines  will  then 
move  to  the  head  of  the  procession,  and  pro- 
ceed to  the  Church  or  place  of  interment,  the 
order  of  the  procession  be'ng  plainly  indicated 
Ui  thf  remarks  preliminary  lo  the  Service  at 
-he  Grave. 

'f  uu  remains  are  taken  to  a  Church,  on 
ari'ving  at  the  Church  the  lines  will  again 
form  from  the  Church-door  to  the  hearse, 
and  open  order,  facing  inward  and  uncover- 
ing, the  head  of  the  procession  being  at  the 
Church-door.  The  Tyler  will  pass  through 
the  lines  and  escort  the  officiating  Clergy  and 
Chaplain,  who  immediately  precede  the  pall- 
bearers with  the  body,  the  immediate  relatives 
and  friends  following,  the  Master  and  officers 
and  brethren  closing  in  and  f<  'lowing  the 
mourners  into  the  Church,  thus  again  revers- 
ing the  order  of  the  procession.  On  retiring 
from  the  Church,  the  brethren  will  retire  in 
regular  order,  as  from  the  residence,  viz: 
Tyler,  Stewards,  Master  Masons,  Members 
of  th"  other  branches  of  theMasonic  Fraternity, 


26o  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

Past  Masters,  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  Senior 
and  Junior  Wardens,  the  brotlier  witli  the 
Holy  Bible,  the  Master  with  the  Deacons, — 
and  will  form  outside  from  the  Church-door 
to  the  hearse  as  at  residence,  and  will  be 
governed  by  the  same  rules. 

The  Masonic  services,  at  either  the  residence 
or  Church,  v/ill  take  place  after  the  religious 
services  are  concluded,  and  will  commence 
upon  the  officers  taking  their  places  about  the 
coffin  as  before  provided,  all  the  brethren 
standing,  and,  if  practicable,  forming  a  circle 
around  the  officers  and  body,  whereupon  the 
service  will  proceed  as  follows: 

The  Worshipful  Master  or  Chaplain  \y\\\ 
repeat  the  following,  or  some  other  appropriate 
Prayer,— if  the  Lord's  Prayer  be  used,  all  the 
brethren  will  join: 

Prayer. 

Our  Father  which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed 
be  Thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come:  Thy 
will  be  done  in  earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give 
us  this  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors.  And 
lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 
from  evil:  For  thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the 
power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever.     Amen. 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— HOUSE   OR  CHURiJH.         261 

Worshipful  Master.  Brethren,  we  are 
called  upon  by  the  imperious  mandr-jte  of  the 
dread  messenger  Death,  against  whose  free 
entrance  within  the  circle  of  our  Fraternity 
the  barred  doors  and  Tyler's  weapon  offer  no 
impediment,  to  mourn  the  loss  of  one  of  our 
companions.  The  dead  body  of  our  beloved 
brother  A.  B.  lies  in  its  narrow  house  before 
us,  overtaken  by  that  fate  which  must  sooner 
or  later  overtake  us  all;  and  which  no  power 
or  station,  no  virtue  or  bravery,  no  wealth  or 
honor,  no  tears  of  friends  or  agonies  of  rela- 
tives can  avert;  teaching  an  impressive  les- 
son, continually  repeated,  yet  soon  forgotten, 
that  every  one  of  us  must  ere  long  pass 
through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
and  dwell  in  the  house  of  darkness. 

Senior  Warden.  In  the  midst  of  life  we 
are  in  death;  of  whom  may  we  seek  for  suc- 
cor but  of  Thee,  O  Lord,  who  for  our  sins  art 
justly  displeased.  Thou  know?st.  Lord,  the 
secrets  of  our  hearts;  shut  not  Thy  mercifu' 
ears  to  our  prayer.' 


262  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

Junior  Warden.  Lord,  let  me  know  my 
end,  and  the  number  of  my  days;  that  I  may 
he  certified  how  long  I  have  to  live. 

W.  M.  Man  that  is  born  of  woman  is  of 
few  days  and  full  of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth 
as  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down;  he  fleeth  also  as 
a  shadow,  and  continueth  not.  Seeing  his 
days  are  determined,  the  number  of  his  months 
are  with  Thee;  Thou  hast  appointed  his 
bounds  that  he  cannot  pass;  turn  fron  him 
that  he  may  rest,  till  he  shall  accomplish  his 
day.  For  there  is  hope  of  a  tree,  if  it  be  cut 
down,  that  it  will  sprout  again,  and  that  the 
tender  branch  thereof  will  not  cease.  But  man 
dieth  and  wasteth  away;  yea,  man  giveth  up 
the  ghost,  and  where  is  he?  As  the  v/aters 
fail  from  the  sea,  and  the  flood  decayeth  and 
drieth  up,  so  man  lieth  down,  and  riseth  not 
up  till  the  heavens  shall  be  no  more. 

S.  W.  Our  life  is  but  a  span  long,  and  the 
days  of  our  pilgrimage  are  few  and  full  of 
evil. 

/.  W.  So  teach  us  to  number  our  days,  that 
we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wisdom. 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— HOUSE   OR   CHURCH.  263 

IV.  M.  Man  goeth  forth  to  his  work  and 
to  his  labor  until  the  evening  of  his  day.  The 
labor  and  work  of  our  brother  are  finished. 
As  it  hath  pleased  the  Almighty  God  to  take 
the  soul  of  our  departed  brother,  may  he  find 
mercy  in  the  great  day  when  all  men  shall  be 
judged  according  to  the  deeds  done  in  the 
body.  We  must  walk  in  the  light  while  we 
have  light;  for  the  darkness  of  death  may 
come  upon  us,  at  a  time  when  we  may  not  be 
prepared.  Take  heed,  therefore,  watch  and 
pray;  for  ye  know  not  when  the  time  is;  ye 
know  not  when  the  Master  cometh,  at  even, 
at  midnight,  or  in  the  morning.  We  should 
so  regulate  our  lives  by  the  line  of  rectitude 
and  truth,  that  in  the  evening  of  our  days  we 
may  be  found  worthy  to  be  called  from  labor 
to  refreshment,  and  duly  prepared  for  a  trans- 
lation from  the  terrestrial  to  the  celestial 
Lodge,  to  join  the  Fraternity  of  the  spirits  of 
just  men  made  perfect. 

5.  W.  Behold,  O  Lord,  we  are  in  distress! 
Our  hearts  are  turned  within  us;  there  is  none 
to  comfort  us;  our  sky  is  darkened  with  clouds, 


264  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES.       ' 

and  mourning  and  lamentations  are  heard 
among  us. 

/.  IV.  Our  life  is  a  vapor  that  appeareth 
for  a  little  while,  and  then  vanisheth  away. 
All  flesh  is  as  grass,  and  all  the  glory  of  man 
as  the  flower  of  grass.  The  grass  withereth, 
and  the  flower  thereof  falleth  away. 

W.  M.  It  is  better  to  go  to  the  house  of 
mourning  than  to  go  to  the  house  of  feasting; 
for  that  is  the  end  of  all  men;  and  the  living 
will  lay  it  to  his  heart. 

Respcmse  by  all  the  brethren:  So  mote  it  be. 

Here  may  be  sung  the  following,  or  some 
other  appropriate,  Hymn: 

HYMN. 

Tune  :  Naomi.  C.  "M. 


"0 ir 

Here  Death  his  sa  -  cred  seal  hath    set. 


m^r—^ 


*¥ 


1 — U   U-1 — i- 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— AT  THE  GRAVE. 


265 


^ 


-i^— +- 


-# ff#- 


I^IZ^ 


-<5-^ 


On     bright   and     by  -  gone   hours  ; 


m 


^'      jfL       ^ 


-«^. 


2^*1: 


The   dead   we  mourn  are  with  us    yet, 

tl^lfS^ — ' ^^ ~ "^ ' — 

r — \ — r-\ 

^    5    I                           1 

\     \     •    \ 

lU >      > — ^ — 

— » — , — J 

i 


g 


-t— *-; — * bI — ^ 1- 


:s: 


And —  more    than    ev  -  er —   ours. 


m 


^  •     JL 


-# 1 ^-T- 


^  1  I 


a66  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

Ours,  by  the  pledge  of  love  and  faith  ; 

By  hopes  of  heaven  on  high  ; 
By  trust,  triumphant  over  death, 

In  immortalitv! 

The  dead  are  like  the  stars  by  day, 
Withdrawn  from  mortal  eye; 

Yet  holding  unperceived  their  way 
Through  the  unclouded  sky. 

By  them,  through  holy  hope  and  love. 

We  feel,  in  hours  serene. 
Connected  with  the  Lodge  above, 

Immortal  and  unseen. 

The  Worshipful  Master  or  Chaplain^  will 
then  repeat  the  following,  or  some  other  ap- 
propriate 

Prayer. 

Most  glorious  God !  author  of  all  good,  and 
giver  of  all  mercy !  pour  down  Thy  blessings 
upon  us,  and  strengthen  our  solemn  engage- 
ments with  the  ties  of  sincere  affection  !  May 
the  present  instance  of  mortality  remind  us 
of  our  approaching  fate,  and  draw  our  atten- 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— AT  THE  GRAVE.  267 

tion  toward  Thee,  the  only  refuge  in  time  of 
need;  that  when  the  awful  moment  shall 
arrive  that  we  are  about  to  quit  this  transi- 
tory scene,  the  enlivening  prospect  of  Thy 
mercy  may  dispel  the  gloom  of  death;  and 
after  our  departure  hence,  in  peace  and  in  Thy 
favor,  we  may  be  received  into  Thine  ever- 
lasting kingdom,  to  enjoy,  in  union  with  the 
souls  of  our  departed  friends,  the  just  reward 
of  a  pious  and  virtuous  life.    Amen ! 

Response:  So  mote  it  be ! 

If  the  remains  of  the  deceased  are  to  be  re- 
moved to  a  distance  where  the  brethren  can- 
not follow  to  perform  the  ceremonies  at  the 
grave,  or  the  weather  be  too  stormy,  the  pro- 
cession will  return  to  the  Lodge-room,  and  the 
Lodge  will  close. 

Service  at  the  Grave. 

The  procession  from  the  house  of  the  de- 
ceased, to  the  church,  or  to  the  place  of  inter- 
ment, should  be  in  the  following  order: 
Tyler,  with  drawn  sword; 
Stewards,  with  rods; 
Band  of  Music,  if  Musicians  are  Masons,  other- 
wise they  follow  the  Tyler; 
Master  Masons; 

-  18 


268  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

Past  Masters; 

Secretary  and  Treasurer; 

Senior  and  Junior  Wardens; 

The  Holy  Bible,  Square  and  Compasses,  on 

a  cushion,  covered  with  black  cloth, 

and  carried    by  the   oldest 

member  of  the  Lodge 

not  in  office ; 

The  Worshipful   Master,  supported  by  the 

Deacons,  with  rods; 

Officiating  Clergy  and  Chaplain; 

The  Body, 

With  the  insignia  placed  thereon,  and  the 

pall-bearers  on  each  side; 

Mourners. 

If  the  deceased  was  a  member  of  a  Royal 
Arch  Chapter  and  a  Commandery  of  Knights 
Templar,  and  members  of  those  bodies  should 
unite  in  the  procession,  clothed  as  such,  the 
former  will  follow  the  Master  Masons,  and 
the  latter  will  act  as  an  escort  or  guard  of 
honor  to  the  corpse,  outside  the  pall-bearers, 
marching  i.  the  form  of  a  triangle;  the  officers 
of  the  Commandery  forming  the  base  of  the 
triangle,  with  the  Eminent  Commander  in  the 
center. 

When  the  procession  has  arrived  at  the 
place  0^  \nterment,  the  members  of  the  Lodge 
Should  form  a  circle  around  the  grave;  when 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— AT  THE   GRAVE.  269 

the  Worshipful  Master,  Chaplain,  and  other 
officers  of  the  acting  Lodge,  take  their  posi- 
tion at  the  head  of  the  grave,  and  the  mourn- 
ers at  the  foot;  the  Deacons  and  Stewards 
standing,  with  rods  crossed,  at  the  head  and 
foot  of  the  grave,  respectively. 

After  the  Clergyman  has  performed  the 
religious  services  of  the  Church,  the  Masonic 
service  should  begin. 

The  Chaplain^  or  Worshipful  Master,  re- 
hearses the  following,  or  some  other  appro- 
priate 

Prayer. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  we 
adore  Thee  as  the  God  of  time  and  eternity. 
As  it  has  pleased  Thee  to  take  from  the  light 
of  our  abode  one  dear  to  our  hearts,  we  beseech 
Thee  to  bless  and  sanctify  unto  us  this  dis- 
pensation of  Thy  providence.  Inspire  our 
hearts  with  wisdom  from  on  high,  that  we 
may  glorify  Thee  in  all  our  ways.  May  we 
realize  that  Thine  all-seeing  eye  is  upon  us, 
and  be  influenced  by  the  spirit  of  truth  and 
love  to  perfect  obedience — that  we  may  enjoy 
the  divine  approbation  here  below.  And  when 
our  toils  on  earth  shall  have  ended,  may  we 


*7o  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

be  raised  to  the  enjoyment  of  fadeless  light 
and  immortal  life  in  that  kingdom  where  faith 
and  hope  shall  end,  and  love  and  joy  prevail 
through  eternal  ages.  And  Thine,  O  right- 
eous Father,  shall  be  the  glory  forever.  Amen. 
Response:  So  mote  it  be ! 

The  following  exhortation  is  then  given  by 
the  Worship/id  Master : 

Brethren  :  The  solemn  notes  that  betoken 
the  dissolution  of  this  earthly  tabernacle,  have 
again  alarmed  our  outer  door,  and  another 
spirit  has  been  summoned  to  the  land  where 
our  fathers  have  gone  before  us.  Again  we 
are  called  to  assemble  among  the  habitations 
of  the  dead,  fo  behold  the  "narrow  house  ap- 
pointed for  all  living."  Here,  around  us,  in 
that  peace  which  the  world  cannot  give  or 
take  away,  sleep  the  unnumbered  dead.  The 
gentle  breeze  fans  their  verdant  covering,  they 
heed  it  not;  thesunshineandthe  storm  passover 
th'em,  and  they  are  not  disturbed ;  stones  and 
lettered  monuments  symbolize  the  affection  of 
surviving  friends,  yet  no  sound  proceeds  from  , 
them,  save  that  silent  but  thrilling  admoni-  i 


HUNERAL  SERVICES— AT  THE  GRAVE.  271 

tion:    ''Seek  ye  the  narrow  path   and  the 
straight  gate  that  lead  unto  eternal  life." 

We  are  again  called  upon  to  consider  the 
uncertainty  of  human  life;  the  immutable 
certainty  of  death,  and  the  vanity  of  all  human 
pursuits.  Decrepitude  and  decay  are  written 
upon  every  living  thing.  The  cradle  and  the 
coffin  stand  in  juxtaposition  to  each  other; 
and  it  is  a  melancholy  truth,  that  so  soon  as 
we  begin  to  live,  that  moment  also  we  begin 
to  die.  It  is  passing  strange  that,  notwith- 
standing the  daily  mementos  of  mortality  that 
cross  our  path,— notwithstanding  the  funeral 
bell  so  often  tolls  in  our  ears,  and  the  "mourn- 
ful procession"  go  about  our  streets,  that  we 
will  not  more  seriously  consider  our  approach- 
ing fate.  We  go  on  from  design  to  design, 
add  hope  to  hope,  and  lay  out  plans  for  the 
employment  of  many  years,  until  we  are  sud- 
denly alarmed  at  the  approach  of  the  Messen- 
ger of  Death,  at  a  moment  when  we  least  ex- 
pect him,  and  which  we  probably  conclude  to 
be  the  meridian  of  our  existence. 


272  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

What,  then,  are  all  the  externals  of  human 
dignity,  the  ^ower  of  wealth,  the  dreams  of 
ambition,  the  pride  of  intellect,  or  the  charms 
of  beauty,  when  nature  has  paid  her  just  debt? 
Fix  your  eyes  on  the  last  sad  scene,  and  view 
life  stript  of  its  ornaments,  and  exposed  in  its 
natural  meanness,  and  you  must  be  persuaded 
of  the  utter  eir.ptiness  of  these  delusions.  In 
the  grave,  all  fallacies  are  detected,  all  ranks 
are  leveled,  all  distinctions  are  done  away. 
Here  the  scepter  of  the  prince  and  the  staff  of 
the  beggar  are  laid  side  by  side. 

While  we  drop  the  sympathetic  tear  over 
the  grave  of  our  deceased  brother,  let  us  ca^t 
around  his  foibles,  whatever  they  may  have 
been,  the  broad  mantle  of  Masonic  Charity, 
noj  withhold  from  his  memory  the  commenda- 
tion that  his  virtues  claim  at  our  hands.  Per- 
. action  on  earth  has  never  yet  been  attained ; 
the  wisest,  as  well  as  the  best  of  men,  have 
gone  astray.  Suffer,  then,  the  apologies  of 
human  nature  to  plead  for  him  who  can  no 
longer  plead  for  himself. 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— AT  THE  GRAVE.  273 

Our  present  meeting  and  proceedings  will 
have  been  vain  and  useless,  if  they  fail  to  excite 
our  serious  reflections,  and  strengthen  our  reso- 
lutions of  amendment.  Be  then  persuaded,  my 
brethren,  by  this  example,  of  the  uncertainty 
of  human  life— of  the  unsubstantial  nature  of 
all  its  pursuits,  and  no  longer  postpone  the 
all-important  concern  of  preparing  for  eternity. 
Let  us  each  embrace  the  present  moment,  and 
while  time  and  opportunity  permit,  prepare 
with  care  for  that  great  change,  which  we  all 
know  must  come,  when  the  pleasures  of  the 
world  shall  cease  to  delight,  and  be  as  a  poison 
to  our  lips ;  and,  while  we  may,  enjoy  the 
happy  reflection  of  a  well-spent  life  in  the  ex- 
ercise of  piety  and  virtue,  which,  in  that  fatal 
hour,  will  yield  the  only  comfort  and  consola- 
tion. Thus  shall  our  hopes  be  not  frustrated, 
nor  we  hurried  unprepared  into  the  presence 
of  that  all-wise  and  powerful  Judge,  to  whom 
the  secrets  of  all  hearts  are  known.  Let  us 
resolve  to  maintain  with  sincerity  the  dignified 
character  of  our  profession.  May  our  faith 
be  evinced  in  a  correct  moral  walk  and  deport- 


374  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

ment;  may  our  hope  be  bright  as  the  glorious 
mysteries  that  will  be  revealed  hereafter;  and 
our  charity  boundless  as  the  wants  of  our 
fellow-creatures.  And  having  faithfully  dis- 
charged the  great  duties  which  we  owe  to 
God,  to  our  neighbor,  and  ourselves;  when 
at  last  it  shall  please  the  Grand  Master  of  the 
Universe  to  summon  us  into  His  eternal  pres- 
ence, may  the  trestle-board  of  our  whole  lives 
pass  such  an  inspection  that  it  may  be  given 
unto  each  of  us  to  "eat  of  the  hidden  manna," 
and  to  receive  the  "white  stone  with  a  new 
name,"  that  will  insure  perpetual  and  un- 
speakable happiness  at  His  right  hand. 

The  Worshipful  Master  then  takes  the 
apron  from  the  coffin,  and  the  body  is  lowered 
into  the  grave  by  three  gradual  motions. 

The  Worshipful  Master  then  holding  the 
apron,  continues : 

The  lambskin,  or  white  apron,  is  the  emblem 
of  innocence,  and  the  badge  of  a  Mason.  It 
is  more  ancient  than  the  Golden  Fleece  or 
Roman  Eagle;  more  honorable  than  the  Star 
and  Garter,  when  worthily  worn.  This 
emblem   I  now  deposit  in  the  grave  of  our 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— AT  THE  GRAVE.  27; 

deceased  brother  {depositing  the  apron  in 
the  gravel.  By  it  we  are  reminded  of  the 
universal  dominion  of  death.  The  arm  of 
friendship  cannot  interpose  to  prevent  his 
coming;  the  wealth  of  the  world  cannot  pur- 
chase our  release ;  nor  will  the  innocence  of 
youth,  or  the  charms  of  beauty  propitiate  his 
purpose.  The  mattock,  the  coffin  and  the 
melancholy  grave,  admonish  us  of  our  mor- 
tality, and  that,  sooner  or  later,  these  frail 
bodies  must  moulder  in  their  parent  dust. 

The  Worshipful  Master  then  holding  the 
evergreen,  continues: 

This  evergreen,  which  once  marked  the 
temporary  resting-place  of  the  illustrious  dead, 
is  an  emblem  of  our  faith  in  the  immortality 
of  the  soul.  By  this  we  are  reminded  that 
we  have  an  immortal  part  within  us,  that 
shall  survive  the  grave,  and  which  shall  never, 
NEVER,  NEVER,  die.  By  it  we  are  ad- 
monished that,  though,  like  our  brother,  whose 
remains  lie  before  us,  we  shall  soon  be  clothed 
in  the  habiliments  of  death,  and  deposited  in 
the  silent  tomb,  yet,  through  our  belief  in  the 


276  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

mercy  of  God,  we  may  confidently  hope  that 
our  souls  will  bloom  in  eternal  spring.  This, 
too,  I  deposit  in  the  grave,  with  the  exclama- 
tion, "Alas,  my  brother! " 

The  brethren  then  move  in  procession 
around  the  place  of  interment,  and  severally 
drop  the  sprig  of  evergreen  into  the  grave, 
with  the  same  exclamation;  after  which,  the 
Public  Grand  Honorsf  are  given. 

The  Wo7^shipf  u I  Master  i\\tn  continues  the 
ceremony: 

From  time  immemorial,  it  has  been  the 
custom  among  the  Fraternity  of  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons,  at  the  request  of  a  brother, 
to  accompany  his  remains  to  the  place  of  in- 


t  The  Grand  Honors,  practiced  among  Masons  at  fun- 
erals, whether  in  public  or  private,  are  given  "i  the  fol- 
iowing-  manner:  Both  arms  are  crossed  on  •  breast, 
the  nft  uppermost,  and  the  open  palms  of  t.ie  hands 
sharply  striking  the  shoulders;  they  are  then  raised 
above  the  head,  the  palms  striking  each  other,  and  then 
made  to  fall  smartly  upon  the  thighs.  This  is  repeated 
three  times,  and  while  they  are  being  given  the  third 
time,  the  brethren  audibly  pronounce  the  following  words 
— when  the  arms  are  crossed  on  the  breast:  "We  cherish 
his  memory  here;"  when  the  hands  are  extended  above 
the  head:  ''We  commend  his  spirit  to  God  who  gave  it;" 
and  when  the  hands  are  extended  toward  the  ground: 
"And  consign  his  bodv  to  the  earth." 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— AT  THE   GRAVE.  277 

terment.  and  there  to  deposit  them  with  the 
usual  Tormalities. 

In  conformity  to  this  usage,  and  at  the  re- 
quest of  our  deceased  brother,  whose  memory 
we  revere,  and  whose  loss  we  now  deplore, 
we  have  assembled  in  the  character  of  Masons, 
to  offer  up  to  his  memory,  before  the  world,  the 
last  tribute  of  our  affection;  thereby  demon- 
strating the  sincerity  of  our  past  esteem  for 
him,  and  our  steady  attachment  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  our  Order. 

The  great  Creator  having  been  pleased,  out 
of  his  infmite  mercy,  to  remove  our  brother 
from  the  cares  and  troubles  of  this  transitory 
existence,  to  a  state  of  endless  duration,  thus 
severing  another  link  from  the  fraternal  chain 
that  binds  us  together;  may  we,  who  survive 
him,  be  more  strongly  cemented  in  the  ties  of 
union  and  friendship;  that,  during  the  short 
space  allotted  us  here,  we  may  wisely  and 
usefully  employ  our  time;  and  in  the  reciprocal 
intercourse  of  kind  and  friendly  acts,  mutually 
promote  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  each 
other.     Unto  the  grave  we  have  consigned 


278  ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 

the  body  of  our  deceased  brother;  earth  to 
earth  {earth  being  sprinkled  on  the  coffin'], 
ashes  to  ashes  \_7n0re  earth],  dust  to  dust 
[more  earth]]  there  to  remain  till  the  trump 
shall  sound  on  the  resurrection  morn.  We 
can  cheerfully  leave  him  in  the  hands  of  a 
Being,  Who  has  done  all  things  well ;  Who  is 
glorious  in  holiness,  fearful  in  praises,  doing 
wonders. 

To  those  of  his  immediate  relatives  and 
friends,  who  are  most  heart-stricken  at  the 
loss  we  have  all  sustained,  we  have  but  little 
of  this  world's  consolation  to  offer.  We  can 
only  sincerely,  deeply,  and  most  affectionately 
sympathize  with  them  in  their  aiflictive  be- 
reavement. But  we  can  say,  that  He  who 
tempers  the  wind  to  the  shorn  lamb,  looks 
down  with  infmite  compassion  upon  the  widow 
and  fatherless,  in  the  hour  of  their  desolation; 
and  that  the  Great  Architect  will  fold  the  arms 
of  His  love  and  protection  around  those  who 
put  their  trust  in  Him. 

Then  let  us  improve  this  solemn  warning 
that  at  last,  when  the  sheeted  dead  are  stir- 


FUNERAL  SERVrCES— AT  THE  GRAVE. 


279 


ring,  when  the  great  white  throne  is  set,  we 
shall  receive  from  the  Omniscient  Judge,  the 
thrilling  invitation,  "come,  ye  blessed,  inherit 
the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  foun- 
dation of  the  world." 
The  following  Ode  will  then  be  sung: 


Tune:  Pleyel's  Hymn 

-I 


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Sol  -  emn  strikes  the      fu  -  n'ral  chime, 

45L    jo^    j2-»    #.    :jf:    jS.    .^2. 


951? 


i 


a-4- 


W- 


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Notes  of     our      de  -  part  -  ing    time; 


^ 


JSL      .a.      .22.  • 


^  U 


-i5?-^ 


-P- 


m 


28o 


ANCIENT  CEREMONIES. 


t 


^ 


As       we    jour  -    ney   here     be  -  low, 


■^=f^3tF. 


#= 


«= 


i 


i 


m 


m 


Thro'    a      pil  -  grim  -  age    of    woe. 


jz.    .(SL    .a.' 


-^9- 


^i 


T 


Mortals,  now  indulge  a  tear, 

For  Mortality  is  here  ! 
See  how  wide  her  trophies  wave 

O'er  the  slumbers  of  the  grave! 

Here  another  guest  we  bring  ; 

Seraphs  of  celestial  wing, 
To  our  fun'ral  altar  come, 

Waft  our  friend  and  brother  home. 


FUNERAL  SERVICES— AT  THE  GRAVE.  281 

4    Lord  of  all !  below— above — 

Fill  our  hearts  with  truth  and  love  ; 
When  discclvcs  our  earthly  tie, 
Take  l^  to  Thy  Lodge  on  high. 

The  servicec'-.-ill  be  concluded  with  the  fol- 
lowing  or  come  other  suitable 

Prayer. 

Most  glorious  God,  author  of  all  good  and 
giver  of  all  mercy,  pour  down  Thy  blessings 
upon  us  and  strefigthen  our  solemn  engage- 
ments with  the  ties  of  sincere  affection.  May 
the  present  instance  of  mortality  remind  us  of 
our  own  approaching  fate,  and,  by  drawing 
our  attention  toward  Thee,  the  only  refuge  in 
time  of  need,  may  we  be  induced  so  to  regu- 
late our  conduct  here,  that  when  the  awful 
moment  shall  arrive,  at  which  we  must  quit 
this  transitory  scene,  the  enlivening  prospect 
of  Thy  mercy  may  dispel  the  gloom  of  death; 
and  that  after  our  departure  hence,  in  peace 
and  Thy  favor,  we  may  be  received  into  Thine 
everlasting  kingdom,  and  there  join  in  union 
with  our  friend,  and  enjoy  that  uninterrupted 


282  ANCIENT   CEREMONIES. 

and  unceasing  felicity  which  is  allotted  to  the 
souls  of  just  men  made  perfect.     Amen. 

Response:  So  mote  it  be  ! 

Worshipful  Master.  The  will  of  God  is 
accomplished. 

Response:  So  mote  it  be ! 

W.  M.  From  dust  we  came,  and  unto  dust 
we  must  return. 

Response:  May  we  all  be  recompensed  at 
the  resurrection  of  the  just.    Amen ! 

Thus  the  service  ends,  and  the  brethren 
may,  if  practicable  open  order  and  stand  un- 
covered, while  the  relatives  pass  through  the 
lines  as  they  leave  the  cemetery;  after  which 
the  procession  will  return  in  form  to  the  place 
whence  it  set  out,  where  the  necessary  busi- 
ness of  Masonry  should  be  renewed.  The 
insignia  and  ornaments  of  the  deceased,  if  an 
officer  of  a  Lodge,  are  to  be  returned  to  the 
Master,  with  the  usual  ceremonies,  and  the 
Lodge  will  be  closed  in  form. 


RITUAL    FOR    A    LODGE    OF 
SORROW. 

The  following  Ritual  for  a  Lodge  of  Sorrow 
is  recommended  for  use  in  the  Lodges.  While 
necessarily  of  a  funereal  character,  it  differs 
essentially  from  the  burial  service.  In  the 
latter  case,  we  are  in  the  actual  presence  of 
the  departed,  and  engaged  in  the  last  rites  of 
affection  and  respect  for  one  who  has  been 
our  companion  in  life,  and  whose  mortal  re- 
mains we  are  about  to  consign  to  their  last 
resting-place.  The  Lodge  of  Sorrow,  on  the 
contrary,  is  intended  to  celebrate  the  memory 
of  our  departed  brethren;  and  while  we  thus 
recall  to  our  recollection  their  virtues,  and 
temper  anew  our  resolutions  so  to  live,  that, 
when  we  shall  have  passed  the  silent  portals, 
our  memories  may  be  cherished  with  grateful 
remembrance,  we  learn  to  look  upon  death 
from  a  more  elevated  point  of  view;  to  see  in 
it  the  wise  and  necessary  transition  from  the 
trials  and  imperfections  of  this  world,  to  the 
perfect  life  for  which  our  transient  journey 
here  has  been  the  school  and  the  preparation. 
Vocal  and  instrumental  music  are  indispens- 
able to  the  proper  effect  of  the  ceremony.  The 
brethren  should  wear  dark  clothing,  and  white 
283 

-19 


284  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

gloves  and  aprons.  There  is  no  necessity  for 
any  attempt  at  secrecy  in  the  ceremonies  of 
Sorrow  Lodges.  They  may  be  held  in  churches 
or  public  halls,  or  in  the  presence  of  friends  at 
the  Lodge-room,  with  benefit  to  all  concerned. 

Preparation  of  the  Hall. 

\.  The  Lodge-room  should  be  appropriately 
draped  in  black,  and  the  several  stations  cov- 
ered with  the  same  emblem  of  mourning. 

II.  On  the  Master's  pedestal  is  a  skull  and 
lighted  taper. 

III.  In  the  center  of  the  room  is  placed  the 
catafalque,  which  consists  of  a  rectangular 
platform,  about  six  feet  long  by  four  feet  wide, 
on  which  are  two  smaller  platforms,  so  that 
three  steps  are  represented.  On  the  third  one 
should  be  an  elevation  of  convenient  height, 
on  which  is  placed  an  urn.  The  platform 
should  be  draped  in  black,  and  a  canopy  of 
black  drapery  may  be  raised  over  the  urn  and 
platform. 

IV.  At  each  corner  of  the  platform  will  be 
placed  a  candlestick,  bearing  a  lighted  taper, 
and  near  it,  facing  the  East,  will  be  seated  a 
brother,  provided  with  an  extinguisher,  to  be 
used  at  the  proper  time. 

V.  During  the  first  part  of  the  ceremonies 
the  lights  in  the  room  should  burn  dimly. 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  285 

VI.  Arrangements  should  be  made  to  en- 
able the  light  to  be  increased  to  brilliancy  at 
the  appropriate  point  in  the  ceremony. 

VII.  On  the  catafalque  will  be  laid  a  pair 
of  white  gloves,  a  lambskin  apron,  and  if  the 
deceased  brother  had  been  an  officer,  the  ap- 
propriate insignia  of  his  office. 

Vill.     Where  the  Lodge  is  held  in  memory 
of  several  brethren,  shields  bearing  their  names 
are  placed  around  the  catafalque. 
Opening  the  Lodge. 

The  several  officers  being  in  their  places, 
and  the  brethren  seated,  the  Worshipful  Mas- 
ter \n\\\  call  up  the  Lodge,  and  say: 

Worshipful  Master.  Brother  Senior  War- 
den :  For  what  purpose  are  we  assembled.? 

Senior  Warden.  To  honor  the  memory  of 
those  brethren  whom  death  hath  taken  from 
us;  to  contemplate  our  own  approaching  dis- 
solution; and,  by  the  remembrance  of  immor- 
tality, to  raise  our  souls  above  the  considera- 
tions of  this  transitory  existence. 

W.  M.  Brother  Junior  Warden:  What  sen- 
timents should  inspire  the  souls  of  Masons  on 
occasions  like  the  present? 

Junior  Warden.  Calm  sorrow  for  the 
absence  of  our  brethren  who  have  gone  before 


286  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

us;  earnest  solicitude  for  our  own  etern-^.l  wel- 
fare, and  a  firrn  faith  and  reliance  upon  the 
wisdom  and  goodness  of  the  Great  Architect 
of  the  Universe. 

W.  M.  Brethren:  Commending  these  sen- 
timents to  your  earnest  consideration,  and 
invoking  your  assistance  in  the  solemn  cere- 
monies about  to  take  place,  I  declare  this  Lodge 
of  Sorrow  opened. 

The  Chaplain,  or  Worshipful  Master,  will 
then  offer  the  following,  or  some  other  suitable 

Prayer. 

Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe,  in  whose 
holy  sight  centuries  are  but  as  days;  to  whose 
omniscience  the  past  and  the  future  are  but  as 
one  eternal  present;  look  down  upon  Thy 
children,  who  still  wander  among  the  delu- 
sions of  time — who  still  tremble  with  dread 
of  dissolution,  and  shudder  at  the  mysteries 
of  the  future;  look  down,  we  beseech  Thee, 
from  Thy  glorious  and  eternal  day  into  the 
dark  night  of  our  error  and  presumption,  and 
suffer  a  ray  of  Thy  divine  light  to  penetrate 
\nto  our  hearts,  that  in  them  may  awaken 


LODGE  OF  SORROW. 


287 


and  bloom  the  certainty  of  life,  reliance  upon 
Thy  promises,  and  assurance  of  a  place  at 
Thy  right  hand.     Amen. 

Response:   So  mote  it  be ! 

The  following,  or  some  other  appropriate 
Ode  may  here  be  sung : 


ODE. 

Tune  :  Bradford.  C.  M. 


^ 


g|4^ 


9-ltr 


S 


-;^- 


:fcN:1=: 


^  *^ 


I       I       I 


^   ^ 


O  Broth-er,  thou  art     gone    to  rest; 

r*5 


We     will     not    weep  for    thee ; 

I       ^ 

1^  ^   -^VT-*^  ^     -^ 


-#T 


±^ 


■^^- 


:(2_- 


2S8 


LODGE  OF  SORROW. 


1^- 


^ 


^^ 


^- 


-»T* 


tSr-S- 


^^ 


9^-Sfc 


For  ihou  art    nowwhere.oft   on  earth, 


Vip^ 


^^ 


#=^=q 


-\r^ 


— ^-s- 


Tliy  spir  -    it 


-*-_•- 


longed      to 


I 
be. 


E3 


i 


2  O  Brother,  thou  art  gone  to  rest ; 

Thy  toils  and  cares  are  o'er ; 
And  sorrow,  pain,  and  suffering  now 
Shall  ne'er  distress  thee  more. 

3  O  Brother,  thou  art  gone  to  rest, 

And  this  shall  be  our  prayer : 
That,  when  we  reach  our  journey's  end, 
Thy  glory  we  shall  share. 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  289 

The  Worshipful  Master  {taking  the  skull 
in  his  ha7id'\  will  then  say: 

Brethren:  In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in 
death,  and  the  wisest  cannot  know  what  a 
day  may  bring  forth.  We  live  but  to  see 
those  we  love  passing  away  into  the  silent 
land. 

Behold  this  emblem  of  mortality,  once  the 
abode  of  a  spirit  like  our  own;  beneath  this 
mouldering  canopy  once  shone  the  bright  and 
busy  eye;  within  this  hollow  cavern  once 
played  the  ready,  swift,  and  tuneful  tongue; 
and  now,  sightless  and  mute,  it  is  eloquent 
only  in  the  lessons  it  teaches  us. 

Think  of  those  brethren,  who,  but  a  few 
days  since,  were  among  us  in  all  the  pride 
and  power  of  life;  bring  to  your  minds  the 
remembrance  of  their  wisdom,  their  strength, 
and  their  beauty;  and  then  reflect  that  "to 
this  complexion  have  they  come  at  last;"  think 
of  yourselves,  thus  will  you  be  when  the  lamp 
of  your  brief  existence  has  burned  out  Think 
how  soon  death,  for  you,  will  be  a  reality. 
Man's  life  is  like  a  flower,  which  blooms  to- 


ZQO  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

day,  and  to-morrow  is  faded,  cast  aside,  and 
trodden  under  foot.  The  most  of  us,  my 
brethren,  are  fast  approaching,  or  have  already 
passed  the  meridian  of  life;  our  sun  is  setting 
in  the  West;  and  oh !  how  much  more  swift 
is  the  passage  of  our  declining  years  than 
wnen  we  started  upon  the  journey,  and  be- 
lieved— as  the  young  ,are  too  apt  to  believe- 
that  the  roseate  hues  of  the  rising  sun  of  our 
existence  were  always  to  be  continued.  When 
we  look  bacl<;  upon  the  happy  days  of  our 
childhood,  when  the  dawning  intellect  first 
began  to  exercise  its  powers  of  thought,  it 
seems  as  but  yesterday,  and  that,  by  a  simple 
effort  of  the  will,  we  could  put  aside  our  man- 
hood, and  seek  again  the  loving  caresses  of  a 
mother,  or  be  happy  in  the  possession  of  a 
bauble;  and  could  we  now  realize  the  idea 
that  our  last  hour  had  come,  our  whole  earthly 
life  would  seem  but  as  the  space  of  time  from 
yesterday  until  to-day.  Centuries  upon  cen- 
turies have  rolled  away  behind  us;  before  us 
stretches  out  an  eternity  of  years  to  come; 
and  on  the  narrow  boundary  between  the  past 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  aqi 

and  the  present  flickers  the  puny  taper  \v.i 
term  our  life.  When  we  came  into  the  world, 
we  knew  naught  of  what  had  been  before  us; 
but,  as  we  gre\y  up  to  manhood,  we  learned 
of  the  past;  we  saw  the  flowers  bloom  as  they 
had  bloomed  toi  centuries;  we  beheld  the  orbs 
of  day  and  night  pursuing  their  endless  course 
among  the  stars,  as  they  had  pursued  it  from 
the  birth  of  light ;  we  learned  what  men  had 
thought,  and  said,  and  done,  from  the  begin- 
ning of  the  world  to  our  day;  but  only  through 
the  eye  of  faith  can  we  behold  what  is  to  come 
hereafter,  and  only  through  a  firm  reliance 
upon  the  Divine  promises  can  we  satisfy  the 
yearnings  of  an  immortal  soul.  The  cradle 
speaks  to  us  of  remembrance — the  coffin,  of 
hope,  of  a  blessed  trust  in  a  never-ending  ex- 
istence beyond  the  gloomy  portals  of  the  tomb. 
Let  these  reflections  convince  us  how  vain 
are  all  the  wranglings  and  bitterness  engend- 
ered by  the  collisions  of  the  world ;  how  little 
in  dignity  above  the  puny  wTanglings  of  ants 
over  a  morsel  of  food,  or  for  the  possession  of 
a  square  inch  of  soil. 


292  LODGE  OF  SORROW 

What  shall  survive  us?  Not,  let  us  hope, 
the  petty  strifes  and  bickerings,  the  jealousies 
and  heart-burnings,  the  small  triumphs  and 
mean  advantages  we  have  gained,  but  rather 
the  noble  thoughts,  the  words  of  truth,  the 
works  of  mercy  and  justice,  that  ennoble  and 
light  up  the  existence  of  every  honest  man, 
however  humble,  and  live  for  good  when  his 
body,  like  this  remnant  of  mortality,  is  mould- 
ering in  its  parent  dust. 

Let  the  proud  and  the  vain  consider  how 
soon  the  gaps  are  filled  that  are  made  in 
society  by  those  who  die  around  them;  and 
how  soon  time  heals  the  wounds  that  death 
inflicts  upon  the  loving  heart;  and  from  this 
let  them  learn  humility,  and  that  they  are  but 
drops  in  the  great  ocean  of  humanity. 

And  when  God  sends  his  angel  to  us  with 
the  scroll  of  death,  let  us  look  upon  it  as  an 
act  of  mercy,  to  prevent  many  sins  and  many 
calamities  of  a  longer  life;  and  lay  down  our 
heads  softly  and  go  to  sleep,  without  wrang- 
ling like  froward  children.  For  this  at  least 
man  gets  by  death,  that  his  calamities  are  not 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  29: 

immortal.  To  bear  grief  honorably  and  tem- 
perately, and  to  die  willingly  and  nobly,  are 
the  duties  of  a  good  man  and  true  Mason. 

A  solemn  piece  of  music  will  now  be  per- 
formed, or  the  following  Ode  may  be  sung  : 


ODE. 


Tune  :  Naomi.  C.  M. 


4--^ — »— *— J — t-vVfw—j — f 


iL?d5 


When  those  we  love  are  snatched  a-\vay, 
I 

0 0 0—0 0 r0 0 0— 


\==t 


i 


V-V-4- 


^^ir^ 

— ! fv \ — 

1 

>w  jJ   n 

^1     ^    1 

rm  *i     J 

?  •     J     4      *rJ 

^  •  •^    1 

Is  y        4 

r  *    4     Zl      ikt 

i^ '         1 

By  Death's  re  -  lent  -  less 

hand, 

t^'ft       r                     1 

\                  1 

T'ff;^     ml           \         0          ^ 

^      1 

^5       1                 W     •        HT           1                 1 

•^      1 

ft                *         f       \           \ 

rs  •         1 

LODGE  OF  SORROW. 


Our  hearts  the  mournful    trib-  ute   pay, 

—O 9 0 O 0 -r» 0 0- 


^         I 

While  pity  prompts  the  rising  sigh, 
With  awful  power  imprest; 

May  this  dread  truth,  "I  too  must  die," 
Sink  deep  in  every  breast. 

Let  this  vain  world  allure  no  more: 

Behold  the  opening  tomb ! 
It  bids  us  use  the  present  hour; 

To-morrow  death  may  come- 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  29b 

The  voice  of  this  instructive  scene 

May  every  heart  obey ; 
Nor  be  the  faithful  warning  vain 

Which  calls  to  watch  and  pray. 

At  its  conclusion  the  Chaplain  will  read  the 
following  passages : 

Lo,  He  goeth  by  rne  and  I  see  Him  not. 
He  passeth  on  also,  but  I  perceive  Him  not. 
Behold  He  taketh  away,  who  can  hinder 
Him? 

Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days, 
and  full  of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  like  a 
flower,  and  is  cut  down ;  he  fleeth  also  as  a 
shadow,  and  continueth  not.  Seeing  his  days 
are  determined,  the  number  of  his  months  are 
with  Thee :  Thou  hast  appointed  his  bounds 
that  he  cannot  pass;  turn  from  him  that  he 
may  rest,  till  he  shall  accomplish,  as  an  hire- 
ling, his  day.  For  there  is  hope  of  a  tree  if  it 
be  cut  down,  that  it  will  sprout  again,  and 
that  the  tender  branch  thereof  will  not  cease. 
Though  the  root  thereof  wax  old  in  the  earth, 
and  the  stock  thereof  die  in  the  ground,  yet 
through  the  scent  of  water  it  will  bud  and 


296  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

bring  forth  boughs  like  a  plant.  But  man 
dieth  andwasteth  away;  yea,  man  giveth  up 
the  ghost,  and  where  is  he?  As  the  waters 
fail  from  the  sea,  and  the  flood  decayeth  and 
drieth  up,  so  man  lieth  down,  andriseth  not; 
till  the  heavens  be  no  more,  they  shall  not 
awake,  nor  be  raised  out  of  their  sleep. 

My  days  are  passed,  my  purposes  are  broken 
off,  even  the  thoughts  of  my  heart.  If  I  wait, 
the  grave  is  mine  house :  I  have  made  my  bed 
in  the  darkness.  I  have  said  to  corruption, 
thou  art  my  father.  And  where  is  now  my 
hope?  As  for  my  hope,  who  shall  see  it?  They 
shall  go  down  to  the  bars  of  the  pit,  when  our 
rest  together  is  in  the  dust. 

My  bone  cleaveth  to  my  skin  snd  to  my 
flesh.  Oh,  that  my  words  were  now  written  ; 
Oh,  that  they  were  printed  in  a  book  !  That 
they  were  graven  with  an  iron  pen  and  lead 
in  the  rock  forever!  For  I  know  that  my  Re- 
deemer liveth,  and  that  He  shall  stand  at  the 
latter  day  upon  the  earth.  And  though  after 
my  skin  worms  destroy  this  body,  yet  in  my 
flesh  shall  I  see  God.    Whom  I  shall  see  for 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  297 

myself,  and  mine  eyes  shall  behold,  and  not 
another. 

For  Thou  cast  me  into  the  deep,  in  the  midst 
of  the  seas ;  and  Thy  floods  compassed  me 
about ;  all  Thy  billows  and  Thy  waves  passed 
over  me.  Then  I  said,  I  am  cast  out  of  Thy 
sight ;  yet  will  I  look  again  toward  Thy  holy 
temple.  The  waters  compassed  me  about,  even 
to  the  soul,  the  depth  closed  me  round  about, 
the  weeds  were  wrapt  about  my  head. 

I  said,  in  the  cutting  off  of  my  days  I  shall 
go  to  the  gates  of  the  grave  ;  I  am  deprived  of 
the  residue  of  my  years ;  I  said,  I  shall  not 
see  the  Lord,  even  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the 
living ;  I  shall  behold  man  no  more  with  the 
inhabitants  of  the  world.  Behold,  for  peace 
I  had  great  bitterness ;  but  Thou  hast  in  love 
to  my  soul  delivered  it  from  the  pit  of  corrup- 
tion. For  the  grave  cannot  praise  Thee,  death 
cannot  celebrate  Thee;  the  living,  the  living, 
he  shall  praise  Thee  as  I  do  this  day. 

Are  not  my  days  few?  Cease,  then,  and  let 
me  alone,  that  I  may  take  comfort  a  little, 
before  I  go  whence  I  shall  not  return,  even  to 


298  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

the  land  of  darkness,  and  the  shadow  of  death, 
A  land  of  darkness,  as  darkness  itself;  and 
of  the  shadow  of  death,  without  any  order, 
and  where  the  light  is  as  darkness. 

An  interval  of  profound  silence  will  be  ob- 
served. The  general  lights  of  the  hall,  if 
there  be  convenience,  will  be  turned  low,  and 
the  four  brethren  will  extinguish  the  tapers 
near  which  they  are  placed. 

Prayer  by  the  Chaplain. 

Our  Father  Who  art  in  Heaven,  it  hath 
pleased  Thee  to  take  from  among  us  those 
who  were  our  brethren.  Let  time,  as  it  heals 
the  wounds  thus  inflicted  upon  our  hearts  and 
on  the  hearts  of  those  who  were  near  and  dear 
to  them,  noterase  the  salutary  lessons  engraved 
there ;  but  let  those  lessons  always  continu- 
ing distinct  and  legible  make  us  and  them 
wiser  and  better.  And  whatever  distress  or 
trouble  may  hereafter  come  upon  us,  may  we 
ever  be  consoled  by  the  reflection  that  Thy 
wisdom  and  Thy  love  are  equally  infinite, 
and  that  our  sorrows  are  not  the  visitations 
of  Thy  wrath,  but  the  result  of  the  great  !aw 


T-3DGE  OF  SORROW.  299 

of  harmony  by  which  everything  is  being  con- 
ducted to  a  good  and  perfect  issue  in  the  full- 
ness of  Thy  time.  Let  the  loss  of  our  breth- 
ren increase  our  affection  for  those  who  are 
yet  spared  to  us,  and  make  us  more  punctual 
in  the  performance  of  the  duties  that  friend- 
ship, love  and  honor  demand.  When  it  comes 
to  us  also  to  die,  may  a  firm  and  abiding 
trust  in  Thy  mercy  dispel  the  gloom  and 
dread  of  dissolution.  Be  with  us  now,  and 
sanctify  the  solemnities  of  this  occasion  to 
our  hearts,  that  we  may  serve  Thee  in  spirit 
and  understanding.  And  to  Thy  name  shal^ 
be  ascribed  the  praise  forever.     Amen. 

Response :  So  mote  it  be ! 

The  Wardens,  Deacons  and  Stewards^  will 
now  approach  the  East  and  form  a  procession, 
thus: 

Two  Stewards,  with  rods ; 

Two  Wardens ; 

The  Worshipful   Master,  supported  by  the 

Deacons,  with  rods. 

This  procession  will  move  once  around  the 
catafalque  to  slow  and  solemn  music.  On 
arriving  at  the  East,  the  procession  will  halt 
and  open  to  the  right  and  left.     The  Junior 

—  20 


goo  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

Warden  will  then  advance  to  the  catafalque, 
and,  placing  upon  it  a  bunch  of  white  flowers, 
will  say  ; 

Junior  Warden.  In  memory  of  our  de- 
parted brethren  I  deposit  these  white  flowers, 
emblematical  of  that  pure  life  to  which  they 
have  been  called,  and  reminding  us  that  as 
these  children  of  an  hour  will  droop  and  fade 
away,  so,  too  shall  we  soon  follow  those  who 
have  gone  before  us,  and  inciting  us  so  to  fill 
the  brief  span  of  our  existence  that  we  may 
leave  to  our  survivors  a  sweet  savor  of  re- 
membrance. 

Iht  Junior  Warden  will  now  return  to  his 
place,  and  an  interval  of  profound  silence  will 
be  observed.  The  procession  will  again  be 
formed,  and  move  as  before,  to  the  sound  of 
slow  music,  twice  around  the  catafalque. 
They  will  open  as  before,  and  the  Senior 
Warden  approaching  the  catafalque  will  place 
upon  it  a  wreath  of  white  flowers,  and  say : 

Senior  Warden.  As  the  sun  sets  in  the 
West,  to  close  the  day  and  herald  the  ap- 
proach of  night,  so,  one  by  one  we  lay  us 
down  in  the  darkness  of  the  tomb  to  wait  in 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  y>i 

its  calm  repose  for  the  time  when  the  heavens 
shall  pass  away  as  a  scroll,  and  man,  stand- 
ing in  the  presence  of  the  Infinite,  shall  realize 
the  true  end  of  his  pilgrimage  here  below. 
Let  these  flowers  be  to  us  the  symbol  of  re- 
membrance of  all  the  virtues  of  our  brethren 
who  have  preceded  us  to  the  silent  land,  the 
token  of  that  fraternal  alliance  which  binds 
us  while  on  earth  and  which  we  hope  will 
finally  unite  us  in  heaven. 

The  Senior  Warden  returns  to  his  place, 
and  an  interval  of  profound  silence  will  be 
observed.  The  procession  will  again  be 
formed,  and  move  three  times  around  the 
catafalque  to  slow  and  solemn  music,  as 
before.  Arrived  in  the  East,  the  Worshipful 
Master  v^\\\  advance  and  place  upon  the  Urn 
a  wreath  of  evergreen,  and  say : 

Worshipful  Master,  It  is  appointed  unto 
all  men  once  to  die,  and  after  death  cometh 
the  resurrection.  The  dust  shall  return  to 
the  earth  and  the  spirit  unto  God  who  gave 
it  In  the  grave  all  men  are  equal ;  the  good 
deeds,  the  lofty  thoughts,  the  heroic  sacrifices 


30a  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

alone  survive  and  bear  fruit  in  the  lives  of 
those  who  strive  to  emulate  them. 

While,  therefore,  nature  will  have  its  way, 
and  our  tears  will  fall  upon  the  graves  of  our 
brethren,  let  us  be  reminded  by  the  evergreen 
symbol  of  our  faith  in  immortal  life  that  the 
dead  are  but  sleeping,  and  be  comforted  by 
the  reflection  that  their  memories  will  not  be 
forgotten;  that  they  will  still  be  loved  by 
those  who  are  soon  to  follow  them ;  that  in 
our  archives  their  names  are  written,  and  that 
in  our  hearts  there  is  still  a  place  for  them. 
And  so,  trusting  in  the  infmite  love  and  tender 
mercy  of  Him  without  whose  knowledge  not 
even  a  sparrow  falls,  let  us  prepare  to  meet 
them  where  there  is  no  parting,  and  where 
with  them  we  shall  enjoy  eternal  rest. 

The  Worshipful  Master  will  return  to  his 
place,  and  a  period  of  silence  will  obtain.  The 
Chaplain  will  now  be  conducted  to  the  altar, 
where  he  will  read : 

But  some  man  will  say :  How  are  the  dead 
raised  up?  and  with  what  body  do  they  come? 


^ODGE  OF  SORROW. 

Thou  fool,  that  which  thou  sowest  is  not 
quickened  except  it  die :  and  that  which  thou 
sowest,  thou  sowest  not  that  body  that  shal 
be,  but  bare  grain ;  it  may  chance  of  wheat 
or  of  some  other  grain ;  but  God  giveth  it  c 
body  as  it  hath  pleased  Him,  and  to  every 
seed  his  own  body. 

All  flesh  is  not  the  same  flesh ;  but  there  is 
one  kind  of  flesh  of  men,  another  flesh  of 
beasts,  another  of  flshes,  and  another  of  birds. 
There  are  also  celestial  bodies,  and  bodies  ter- 
restrial :  but  the  glory  of  the  celestial  is  one, 
and  the  glory  of  the  terrestrial  is  another. 

There  is  one  glory  of  the  sun,  and  another 
glory  of  the  moon,  and  another  glory  of  the 
stars ;  for  one  star  differeth  from  another  star 
in  glory.  So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the 
dead.  It  is  sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised 
in  incorruption ;  it  is  sown  in  dishonor,  it  is 
raised  in  glory;  it  is  sown  in  weakness,  it 
is  raised  in  power;  it  is  sown  a  natural  body, 
it  is  raised  a  spiritual  body.  There  is  a  nat- 
ural body,  and  there  is  a  spiritual  body.  And 
so  it  is  written,  the  flrst  man  Adam  was  made 


yH  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

a  living  soul,  tlie  last  Adam  was  made  a 
quickening  spirit.  Howbeit,  that  was  not 
first  which  is  spiritual,  but  that  which  is  nat- 
ural ;  and  afterward  that  which  is  spiritual. 
The  first  man  is  of  the  earth,  earthy;  the 
second  man  is  the  Lord  from  heaven.  As  is 
the  earthy,  such  are  they  also  that  are  earthy ; 
and  as  is  the  heavenly,  such  are  they  also 
that  are  heavenly.  And  as  we  have  borne 
the  image  of  the  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear 
the  image  of  the  heavenly. 

Now  this  I  say,  brethren,  that  flesh  and 
blood  cannot  inherit  the  kingdom  of  God; 
neither  doth  corruption  inherit  incorruption. 
Behold,  I  shew  you  a  mystery :  we  shall  not 
all  sleep,  but  we  shall  all  be  changed ;  in  a 
moment,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  at  the 
last  trump ;  for  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and 
the  dead  shall  be  raised  incorruptible,  and  we 
shall  be  changed.  For  this  corruptible  must 
put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  must 
put  on  immortality.  So  when  this  corruptible 
shall  have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal 
shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  305 

brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written, 
death  is  swallowed  up  in  victory.  O  death, 
where  is  thy  sting?  O  grave,  where  is  thy 
victory? 

As  the  Chaplain  pronounces  the  concluding 
words,  "O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory?" 
the  lights  in  the  hall  will  be  raised  to  brilliancy, 
the  four  brethren  seated  around  the  catafalque 
will  relight  the  tapers,  while  a  strain  of  tri- 
umphant music  will  be  played. 

The  Chaplain  will  return  to  his  place  in  the 
East,  and  the  following,  or  some  other  ap- 
propriate Ode,  will  be  sung  to  music  of  a  more 
cheerful  character : 


ODE. 

TUNE!  Gary. 


SpS^Pg^ 


^^. 


One     sweet-ly      sol  -  emn  thought 
# — #-r# — #-# — ^^^^  0 — r-^-^-^- - 

\ 1 ! 1 # #-4- 1 jH 

II,      -# — *--# •-ta— I 1 \ «^-^->9 — 


3o6 


LODGE  OF  SORROW, 


I 


^. 


^-t=^'^^: 


S: 


H: 


Comes     to     me     o'er  and      o'er: 


« — o- 


g— g-g     ^     ^  » 


e 


9^^E^=?=- 


l2=^4^ 


^— ^-# 


:t:^tzt:zr- 


(i=K 


L=t=^: 


sg 


fel 


k-U- 


=]=!=]—#—#-•— f-:;^ 


Bc^-ta=^El 


-^— #- 


I    am   near  -  er   home  to  -   day 

-• — »-r|         !      |- * — *-t 


iite^^^EHiSs 


IBig^^^ 


Than  I     ev  -  er  have  been  be  -  fore. 


PEEEE^^Sg333 


-^-^-i^- 


1     1     i   i 


I 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  jo^ 

Nearer  my  Father's  house, 
Where  the  many  mansions  be ; 

Nearer  the  great  white  throne ; 
Nearer  the  crystal  sea. 

Nearer  th-e  bound  of  life, 

Where  we  lay  our  burdens  down ; 
Nearer  leaving  the  cross  ; 

Nearer  gaining  the  crown. 

But  lying  darkly  between, 
Winding  down  through  the  night, 

Is  the  deep  and  unknown  stream, 
That  leads  at  last  to  the  light. 

Father,  perfect  my  trust ! 

Strengthen  the  might  of  my  faith  ; 
Let  me  feel  as  I  would  when  I  stand 

On  the  rock  of  the  shore  of  death. 

Feel  as  I  \^^ould  when  my  feet 
Are  slipping  over  the  brink ; 

For  it  may  be,  I  am  nearer  home — 
Nearer  now  than  I  think. 

The  Orator  will  then  pronounce  the  Eulog- 
him. 

Then  follows  the  following,  or  some  other 
appropriate  Ode : 


508 


LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

ODE. 

Tune:  Old  Hundred.  L.  M 


m 


'¥¥=J: 


4* 


:=r 


fp"^^ 


'^ 


Once  more,  O  Lord,  let  grateful  praise 


^m^^m 


i=±^ 


I 


feWri^ 


J-r-H 


i 


9^^^ 


— h 

From  ev-'ry  heart    to  Thee    ascend  ; 
-^-  4—-  4—-  — -*-  -^9-  ^ —    -I —  -I — 


m. 


9jr 


-^ 


S 


M 


^ES 


:^ 


'^^^f?=--¥ 


Thou  art  the   guardian    of     our   days, 


-^ 


^- 


-F 


LODGE  OF  SORROW. 


309 


Our  first,  our  best,  and  changeless  friend. 
I  -"^  '^-  -^^     -^  d    ^  ^ 


§tei 


EE 


^ 


^ 


-t 

Hear  now  our  parting  hymn  of  praise, 
And  bind  our  hearts  in  love  divine  ; 

Oh,  may  we  walk  in  wisdom's  ways, 
And  ever  feel  that  we  are  Thine. 

Closing. 

Worshipful  Master.  Brother  Senior  War- 
den, our  recollection  of  our  departed  friends 
has  been  refreshed,  ana  we  may  now  ask  our- 
selves, were  they  just  and  perfect  Masons, 
worthy  men,  unwearied  toilers  in  the  vine- 
yard, and  possessed  of  so  many  virtues  as  to 
overcome  their  faults  and  shortcomings? 
Answer  these  questions,  as  Masons  should 
answer. 

Senior  Warden.  Man  judgeth  not  cf  man. 
He  Whose  infinite  and  tender  mercy  passeth 


310  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

all  comprehension,  Whose  goodness  endursth 
forever,  has  called  our  brethren  hence.  Let 
Him  judge. 

In  ancient  Egypt  no  one  could  gain  admit- 
tance to  the  sacred  asylum  of  the  tomb  until 
he  had  passed  under  the  most  solemn  judg- 
ment before  a  grave  tribunal. 

Princes  and  peasants  came  there  to  be 
judged,  escorted  only  by  their  vh-tues  and 
their  vices.  A  public  accuser  recounted  the 
history  of  their  lives,  and  threw  the  penetrat- 
ing light  of  truth  on  all  their  actions.  If  it 
were  adjudged  that  the  dead  man  had  lead  an 
evil  life,  his  memory  was  condemned  in  the 
presence  of  the  nation,  and  his  body  was 
denied  the  honors  of  sepulture.  But  Masonry 
has  no  such  tribunal  to  sit  in  judgment  upon 
her  dead ;  with  her,  the  good  that  her  sons 
have  done  lives  after  them  ;  and  the  evil  is 
interred  with  their  bones.  She  does  require, 
however,  that  whatever  is  said  concerning 
them  shall  be  the  truth ;  and  should  it  ever 
happen  that  of  a  Mason,  who  dies,  nothing 
good  can  be  truthfully  said,  she  will  mourn- 


LODGE  OF  SORROW.  3ir 

fully  and  pityingly  bury  him  out  of  her  sight 
in  silence. 

Worshipful  Master.  Brethren,  let  us  profit 
by  the  admonitions  of  ihis  solemn  occasion, 
lay  to  heart  the  truths  to  which  we  have 
listened,  and  resolve  so  to  walk  that  wher 
we  lay  us  down  to  tlie  last  sleep  it  may  b 
the  privilege  of  the  brethren  to  strew  white 
flowers  upon  our  graves  and  keep  our  mem- 
ories as  a  pleasant  remembrance. 

Erother  Senior  Warden  :  Announce  to  the 
brethren  that  our  labors  are  now  concluded, 
and  that  it  is  my  pleasure  that  this  Lodge 
of  Sorrow  be  closed. 

Senior  Warden.  Brother  Junior  Warden : 
The  labors  of  this  Lodge  of  Sorrow  being 
ended,  it  is  the  pleasure  of  the  Worshipful 
Master  that  it  be  now  closed.  Make  due  an- 
nouncement to  the  brethren,  and  invite  them 
to  assist. 

Junior  Warden  {^calling  up  the  Lodge'], 
Brethren,  the  labors  of  this  Lodge  of  Sorrow 
beir.g  ended,  it  is  the  pleasure  of  the  Worship- 
ful Master  that  it  be  now  closed. 


312  LODGE  OF  SORROW. 

W.  M.     Let  us  unite  with  our  Chaplain  in 
an  invocation  to  the  Throne  of  Grace. 

W.  M.     This   Lodge  of  Sorrow  is  now 
closed. 


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